一期前后路手术治疗合并严重后凸畸形的胸腰椎活动性结核

目的 探讨合并严重后凸畸形(后凸角度≥45.)的活动性胸腰椎结核的合理治疗方案.方法 回顾性分析2004年1月至2008年1月治疗的30例合并严重后凸畸形的活动性胸腰椎结核患者的临床资料.其中男性8例,女性22例,年龄7～60岁(平均35岁),病程3～18个月(平均8个月).后凸角度45°～70°(平均58°).30例均有较大的椎旁脓肿,28例合并椎管内脓肿,10例合并不完全性截瘫(Frankel 分级B级2例、C级6例、D级2例).HREZ 方案化疗至少2周后手术治疗,先行后路多节段椎弓根螺钉植入(6～10枚),通过钉棒连接产生提拉力使后凸矫正;再经前入路清除脓肿、部分或全部切除病变椎体,行支撑性植骨重建.术后化疗方案为6HREZ/6～12HRE.对所有病例的后凸角度、术后矫正效果和神经功能恢复程度进行比较分析,同时观察患者的红细胞沉降率和植骨融合情况.结果 手术时间4～6 h(平均5.2 h),出血量600～900 ml(平均760 m1),围手术期无严重并发症发生.后凸角纠正至0°～10°,最大纠正65°.随访1～4年(平均1.5年),术后6个月所有患者的结核病灶均治愈.术前合并瘫痪者,2例Frankel B级者恢复至D级,其余8例均恢复至E级.末次随访时未见内固定松动断裂及结核复发征象.结论 一期后路多节段椎弓根螺钉固定矫形联合前路病灶清除植骨融合,是治疗合并严重后凸畸形的活动性胸腰椎结核安全、有效的方案.     

前路内固定矫正结核性脊柱畸形

目的　总结前路病灶清除、椎体间植骨和前路内固定手术治疗结核性脊柱畸形的临床疗效 ,探讨前路内固定植入在脊柱结核外科治疗中的安全性和价值。　方法　 1997年 6月～ 2 0 0 1年5月 ,采用前路病灶清除、椎体间植骨和一期前路内固定手术治疗脊柱结核 18例 ,其中颈椎 1例 ,胸椎10例 ,胸腰段 2例 ,腰椎 5例。平均每例受累椎体 2 8个。脊柱后凸畸形角度 2 7 0°～ 75 5°,平均47 5°± 11 4°。均采用髂骨植骨。　结果　 18例病例均获得随访 ,平均随访时间 2 5个月。所有病例均未出现伤口深部感染或窦道形成 ,植骨均完全融合 ,平均融合时间为 3 6个月。后凸畸形矫正度数为 32 7°± 8 3°,后期矫正度丢失 3 2°± 2 8°。　结论　前路内固定手术在脊柱外科治疗中能有效地达到矫正后凸畸形、重建脊柱稳定性和促进椎体间植骨融合的目的 ,是一种安全和有效的治疗方法。     

胸椎结核椎管内外病灶清除同期后路内固定矫形

目的:探讨胸椎结核Ⅰ期病灶清除及后路短节段椎弓根螺钉系统重建脊柱稳定性的外科治疗方法。方法:对1999年2月以来收治的15例合并椎管内外脓肿的胸椎结核患者,采用后路Ⅰ期双侧肋骨横突切除病灶清除、短节段椎弓根螺钉矫正脊柱后凸畸形、取髂骨植骨的综合性手术方法进行治疗,并对其疗效进行分析。结果:术后随访6个月-2年5个月,平均1年8个月,本组15例术后胸部症状均完全消失,术后脊柱后凸角度为6°-15°,平均矫正度数为17°。术后脊髓神经功能均有不同程度的改善,植骨全部骨性融合,植骨融合时间平均3.2个月。结论:经后路可Ⅰ期有效地进行胸椎结核的彻底病灶清除及脊柱稳定性的重建。     

一期前路病灶清除植骨内固定治疗脊柱结核

目的探讨经前路病灶清除植骨一期前路内固定术治疗脊柱结核的临床效果。方法对43例脊柱结核患者,行前路病灶彻底清除、椎间植骨、一期前路内固定术。结果脊柱结核复发2例（4.7%）,植骨不融合3例（7.0%）。植骨融合时间3～8个月。脊柱后凸畸形平均矫正70.2%±11.4%。11例截瘫患者神经功能Frankel分级术后恢复情况：术前A级3例术后恢复至B级1例、2例无恢复;B级5例恢复至C级1例、D级2例、E级1例、1例无恢复;C级3例恢复至D级1例、E级2例。结论经前路病灶清除植骨一期前路内固定术治疗脊柱结核能彻底清除结核病灶,充分减压,矫正脊柱后凸畸形,提高脊柱结核的治愈率。     

A long-term follow-up study of anterior tibial allografting and instrumentation in the management of thoracolumbar tuberculous spondylitis

OBJECT: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of anterior instrumentation following radical debridement and tibial allografting and its long-term progression in patients with multilevel spinal tuberculosis. METHODS: This prospective observational study was undertaken to analyze 22 patients with multilevel spinal tuberculosis (Pott disease) who underwent anterior radical debridement, decompression, and fusion using anterior spinal instrumentation and tibial allograft replacement between 1999 and 2001. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale and a visual analog scale (VAS). Preoperative and postoperative plain radiographs were obtained, and the focal kyphotic angle of the surgically treated spinal segments and the overall sagittal and coronal contours of the thoracic and lumbar spine were evaluated in all patients. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 84 months (range 36-96 months). All patients demonstrated clinical healing of the tuberculosis infection. All patients showed evidence of successful bone fusion. The mean late postoperative kyphosis correction was 74% (range 63-91%). On average, 2 degrees (range 0-5 degrees ) of loss of correction was noted in the local kyphotic angle postoperatively in late follow-up findings. Evaluation of the surgical effect on sagittal global contours showed a significant correction rate in thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar regions. The mean late postoperative coronal plane alignment correction was 99%. The ASIA Impairment Scale scores demonstrated significant improvement in late follow-up results in our series. Surgical decompression also resulted in a dramatic reduction of overall pain in all patients (late postoperative VAS score 1.61 +/- 0.81). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior tibial allografting and instrumentation provide correction of the curvature, prevention of further deformation, improvement of sagittal and coronal balance, and restoration of neurological function in patients with spinal tuberculosis.     

胸、腰椎脊柱结核一期病灶清除前方钛网支撑矫形内固定

目的探讨胸、腰椎结核一期病灶清除、脊髓减压、前方畸形矫正、植骨融合内固定的疗效。方法本组19例,男11例,女8例;平均年龄43.3岁(15～66岁)。病变部位:胸椎8例,胸、腰椎7例,腰椎4例。2个椎体13例,3个椎体5例,4个椎体1例,无跳跃型。椎旁脓肿15例,髂窝流注性脓肿4例。本组患者皆伴有后凸畸形,平均Cobb角44.7°。术前血沉正常5例,其余为22～127mm/h。本组患者术前应用三联(异烟肼、利福平、链霉素)化疗2周,手术采用一期病灶清除、脊髓减压、前方钛网支撑畸形矫正、植骨融合内固定术。术后化疗持续10个月,定期进行脊柱影像学检查和血沉、肝功能检查。结果刀口皆为Ⅰ期愈合,无窦道。最先解除的症状是疼痛,随访8～29个月(平均17个月),畸形矫正、植骨融合满意,未见内固定失败;后凸角度平均矫正21.3°,脊髓功能皆有不同程度地恢复。3例胸、腰段结核术中出现胸膜破裂,1例术后气胸;4例出现神经根刺激症状,1例钛网位置欠佳。无脓胸发生和迟发性脊髓功能丧失。术后血沉恢复正常时间为2～8个月。结论胸、腰椎脊柱结核一期病灶清除、脊髓减压、植骨融合,同时前方钛网支撑畸形矫正和脊柱稳定性重建,在临床上取得了满意的疗效。未见使用在脊柱结核治疗过程中的支撑物和内固定物产生的不良反应。     

跳跃型脊柱结核的外科治疗

目的 探讨跳跃型脊柱结核的治疗方法 及临床效果.方法 回顾性分析2000年1月至2007年3月收治的资料完整的23例跳跃型脊柱结核患者的临床特点、治疗方法 及结果.患者年龄21～65岁,平均41.5岁.病灶位于颈椎+胸椎3例,胸椎+胸椎3例,胸椎+胸腰段6例,胸椎+腰椎4例,胸腰段+腰椎5例,颈椎+胸椎+胸腰段1例,颈椎+胸腰段+腰椎1例.术前后凸角度-5.0°～65.0°,平均30.6°.各处病灶根据病变特点、部位及椎体破坏程度选择行前路一期病灶清除、植骨内固定术,经肋横突入路病灶清除术、椎间植骨后路椎弓根系统内固定术,前路病灶清除植骨、后路椎弓根固定术,一期后路病灶清除、植骨内固定术,单纯病灶清除术或保守治疗.结果术后随访1.5～6.0年,平均3.2年.所有病灶均治愈,未再复发.术后6～12个月,行植骨者病灶X线片均显示植骨融合.术前11例合并截瘫者,7例完全恢复,4例部分恢复.末次随访时后凸角度改善至平均14.2°.术后9例次发生并发症,未造成机体残余损害.结论 跳跃型脊柱结核应根据各处病灶的部位、稳定性、畸形状况及神经损伤情况采取相应的治疗方法 .在有效的抗结核治疗和营养支持治疗前提下积极术前准备,对绝大多数跳跃型脊柱结核患者可一期行手术治疗.     

两种术式治疗胸腰椎结核的疗效观察

目的　比较病灶清除术与前路病灶清除椎间植骨内固定术治疗胸腰椎结核的临床疗效。方法　全组 6 8例 ,平均年龄 37岁。病灶清除术组 33例 ,病灶清除植骨内固定术组 35例 ;其中胸椎结核 2 1例 ,胸腰段结核 18例 ,腰椎结核 2 9例。病灶清除术采用经胸、胸膜外或腹膜外入路 ,清除病灶后 ,骨缺损大于 5 mm者取髂骨植骨 ;小于 5 mm者不植骨。病灶清除植骨内固定术采用经胸或腹膜外入路 ,彻底清除病灶 ,髂骨或填塞自体肋骨粒的钛网椎间植骨融合 ,一期前路内固定。术后抗结核治疗 12～ 18个月。结果　平均随访 2 7个月。病灶清除术组中 5例术后结核局部复发 ,再次手术治疗。病灶清除植骨内固定术组无结核局部复发 ,脊柱后凸畸形改善 ,矫正角度 15°;无内固定器械断裂。结论　前路病灶清除植骨内固定术 ,可重建脊柱的稳定性 ,利于结核病灶的稳定与修复 ,减少结核复发 ,矫正后凸畸形 ,较病灶清除术能取得更好的临床疗效。     

Single-stage posterior instrumentation and anterior debridement for active tuberculosis of the thoracic and lumbar spine with kyphotic deformity

Objective  

The purpose of this study was to validate the efficacy and safety of single-stage posterior instrumentation and anterior debridement for treatment of active spinal tuberculosis with kyphotic deformity.     

内固定应用于脊柱结核治疗的安全性探讨

目的 探讨内固定应用于脊柱结核治疗的安全有效性.方法 1985年4月至2005年5月,51例脊柱结核患者行一期或二期病灶清除、植骨及前路或后路钉棒系统内固定术,男25例,女26例;年龄2～80岁,平均44.8岁.病灶分布:C3～S1,其中颈椎6例,胸椎19例,胸腰段16例,腰骶椎10例.单节段6例,双节段30例,三节段11例,四节段及以上4例.神经功能按Frankel分级:B级2例,C级8例,D级36例,E级5例.所有患者术前均行至少两周的抗结核治疗.手术清除脓液,刮除干酪样坏死物,摘除椎间盘,用骨刀切除坏死骨质直至有正常血运的骨组织.使用内固定Luque 6例,Z-plate 3例,TSRH 8例,Ventrofix 5例,Kenada 4例,Moss-Miami 5例,Isola 6例,CDH 3例,Caspaz 2例,C-D 2例,Zielke、Dick、Oriell、Ozion、Zephir、Tenor、USS各1例.术后继续三联抗结核治疗1年.结果 术后患者腰背部疼痛明显缓解,术前有神经损害的患者术后均有不同程度的恢复.1例术后复发.经清创及调整药物治疗后未再复发.1例胸椎结核术后伤口延迟愈合,出现脓肿窦道,经长期换药后愈合.1例T10椎体结核,术前双下肢肌力3级,术后降为0级,经保守治疗2周后双下肢肌力逐渐恢复至术前水平.所有患者均获得随访,随访时间3.2～23.5年,平均813年.所有患者植骨均融合.24例术前伴后凸畸形的患者,后凸角从入院时平均34.17°矫正至术后平均10.45°,末次随访矫形平均丢失3.2°.结论 内固定应用于脊柱结核的治疗安全、有效.     

Anterior versus posterior procedure for surgical treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis: A retrospective analysis

Background:

Approach for surgical treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis has been controversial. The aim of present study is to compare the clinical, radiological and functional outcome of anterior versus posterior debridement and spinal fixation for the surgical treatment of thoracic and thoracolumbar tuberculosis.

Materials and Methods:

70 patients with spinal tuberculosis treated surgically between Jan 2001 and Dec 2006 were included in the study. Thirty four patients (group I) with mean age 34.9 years underwent anterior debridement, decompression and instrumentation by anterior transthoracic, transpleural and/or retroperitoneal diaphragm cutting approach. Thirty six patients (group II) with mean age of 33.6 years were operated by posterolateral (extracavitary) decompression and posterior instrumentation. Various parameters like blood loss, surgical time, levels of instrumentation, neurological recovery, and kyphosis improvement were compared. Fusion assessment was done as per Bridwell criteria. Functional outcome was assessed using Prolo scale. Mean followup was 26 months.

Results:

Mean surgical time in group I was 5 h 10 min versus 4 h 50 min in group II (P>0.05). Average blood loss in group I was 900 ml compared to 1100 ml in group II (P>0.05). In group I, the percentage immediate correction in kyphosis was 52.27% versus 72.80% in group II. Satisfactory bony fusion (grades I and II) was seen in 100% patients in group I versus 97.22% in group II. Three patients in group I needed prolonged immediate postoperative ICU support compared to one in group II. Injury to lung parenchyma was seen in one patient in group I while the anterior procedure had to be abandoned in one case due to pleural adhesions. Functional outcome (Prolo scale) in group II was good in 94.4% patients compared to 88.23% patients in group I.

Conclusion:

Though the anterior approach is an equally good method for debridement and stabilization, kyphus correction is better with posterior instrumentation and the posterior approach is associated with less morbidity and complications.     

A prospective study comparing three different all-posterior surgical techniques in the management of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis

BackgroundPosterior only surgery has been widely performed in the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis. Surgical options include debridement with posterior instrumentation only or combined with anterior reconstruction. The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the clinical, functional and radiological outcomes using a single-stage posterior only surgery in thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis by three different surgical techniques.MethodsPatients undergoing posterior only surgery for thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis were followed up prospectively and included. Three different procedures, Group-A: Posterior instrumentation with anterior cage reconstruction (n = 49), Group-B: Posterior instrumentation and anterior autologous bone-grafting (n = 21) and Group-C: Posterior column shortening without anterior-reconstruction (n = 52) were compared for kyphosis correction achieved, kyphosis at final follow-up and degree of correction lost. Neurological assessment was done using ASIA impairment Scale(AIS) grades. Functional assessment was done using Visual analogue score (VAS), Modified McNab criteria and NASS satisfaction score.ResultsA total of 122 patients were included in the study, Group-A (49), Group-B (21) and Group-C (52). Radiological correction of kyphotic deformity in anterior reconstruction, Group-A (20.17 ± 9.25⁰) was higher than 13.97⁰ ± 6.06⁰ and 14.27⁰ ± 6.47⁰ achieved in Groups B and C respectively. There was no significant difference in correction lost amongst the three groups (p-value, 0.76). Surgical duration, blood loss and hospital stay were significantly higher in the anterior reconstruction group (p-value, 0.001). Similarly, no significant difference was noted between the three groups in neurological and functional outcomes at 2 years.ConclusionPosterior only approach is eminently satisfactory for treating Thoracolumbar Spinal Tuberculosis (STB). All three groups had similar functional and neurological outcomes. However there was a better correction of deformity in patients with anterior cage reconstruction.     

脊柱结核的外科治疗与术后疗效评估

目的 采用一期病灶清除植骨、坚强内固定术治疗脊柱结核,术后对多项疗效指标进行观察和评估.方法 74例脊柱结核选自2003年10月至2006年10月手术的患者,其中有17例合并脊髓功能障碍,Frankel分级D级12例,C级5例.结核病灶位于颈椎12例、胸椎37例、腰椎25例.CT或MRI显示病灶有明显的死骨和脓肿,并有不同程度的后凸畸形.术前给予4周以上的抗结核化疗,术后动态观察结核中毒症状和脊髓功能的改善情况、畸形矫正和病灶愈合情况.结果 入院时红细胞沉降率平均为81.5 mm/1 h,C反应蛋白平均为41.6 mg/L,其中51例(68.9%)脊柱结核处于活动期.抗结核化疗4周后红细胞沉降率降至43.8 mm/1 h,C反应蛋白降至27.4 mg/L,结核中毒症状明显改善.术后第8～12周红细胞沉降率和CRP检测结果正常,结核症状及病椎疼痛消失.病椎植骨单节段融合时间平均4.3个月,双节段融合时间平均6.7个月,后凸畸形平均矫正74.9%,结核病灶治愈率为97.3%.术后12个月有3例患者仍扶拐行走(Frankel D级),其余患者脊髓功能恢复正常.结论 脊柱结核的外科治疗旨在彻底清除病灶和重建脊柱稳定性,进而提高治疗效果和缩短化疗时间.规范的抗结核化疗与充分的术前准备是手术成功和病灶治愈的重要保障.动态观察和全面评估疗效指标,对于判断手术疗效和病灶预后具有重要意义.     

The role of posterior instrumentation and fusion after anterior radical debridement and fusion in the surgical treatment of spinal tuberculosis: experience of 127 cases

Long periods of immobilization, progressive kyphosis and graft failure are the major postoperative problems encountered after anterior radical surgical treatment for tuberculosis of the spine. Posterior fusion and instrumentation can be an effective solution for these problems. Effectiveness of posterior fusion and instrumentation was investigated in this study on the basis of the cases with anterior procedure only, and with combined anterior-posterior procedures. One hundred twenty-seven cases of tuberculosis of the spine were surgically treated between 1987 and 1995. All had either 1 or more of conditions such as spinal cord compression and neurological deficit, vertebral body collapse and kyphosis, or wide paravertebral abscess unresponsive to medical treatment. Of these, 57 had only anterior radical procedure between the years 1987 and 1993. Seventy cases had posterior instrumentation and fusion after the anterior procedure between the years 1991 and 1995. In about two third of the patients (81) autogenous iliac strut graft and in one third of them (40) autogenous fibular strut graft (cases with more than 2 level involvement) was used along with rib grafts after debridement. Twenty-one of the 57 patients who had only anterior procedure demonstrated a postoperative increase of kyphosis of more than 10 degrees. Increased kyphosis was due to graft slippage in 3, resorption in 2 and subsidence in 16 patients. No such increase or graft failure was noted in cases of combined anterior-posterior procedure. The difference in terms of kyphosis was found to be statistically significant (P=0.047). Anterior radical debridement and strut graft is the golden standard in the surgical treatment of spinal tuberculosis, but it should always be accompanied by posterior instrumentation and fusion to shorten the immobilization period and hospital stay, obtain good and long lasting correction of kyphosis, and prevent further collapse and graft failure.     

后路病灶清除椎弓根内固定治疗胸腰椎结核后凸畸形

目的 探讨经后路病灶清除椎问植骨椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗胸腰椎结核后凸畸形的疗效。方法 采用经后路病灶清除椎问植骨椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗23例胸腰椎结核后凸畸形患者。结果 术后随访1,5～3年,23例患者胸腰椎结核全部治愈,无复发病例,X线片显示椎问植骨全部融合,后凸矫正度无明显丢失。结论 该术式可在一次手术中同一切口内达到椎管内减压、脊柱矫形、融合和脊柱恢复稳定的目的,能获得满意效果。     

One-stage anterior debridement,bone grafting and posterior instrumentation vs. single posterior debridement,bone grafting,and instrumentation for the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare single posterior debridement, interbody fusion and instrumentation with one-stage anterior debridement, interbody fusion and posterior instrumentation for treating thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis.

Method

From January 2006 to January 2010, we enrolled 115 spinal tuberculosis patients with obvious surgical indications. Overall, 55 patients had vertebral body destruction, accompanied by a flow injection abscess or a unilateral abscess volume greater than 500 ml. The patients underwent one-staged anterior debridement, bone grafting and posterior instrumentation (group A) or single posterior debridement, bone grafting and instrumentation (group B). Clinical and radiographic results for the two groups were analyzed and compared.

Results

Patients were followed 12–36 months (mean 21.3 months), Fusion occurred at 4–12 months (mean 7.8 months). There were significant differences between groups regarding the post-operative kyphosis angle, angle correction and angle correction rate, especially if pathology is present in thoracolumbar and lumbar regions. Operative complications affected five patients in group A, and one patient in group B. A unilateral psoas abscess was observed in three patients 12 months postoperatively. In one of them, interbody fusion did not occur, and there was fixation loosening and interbody absorption. All of them were cured by an anterior operation.

Conclusion

Anterior debridement and bone grafting with posterior instrumentation may not be the best choice for treating patients with spinal tuberculosis. Single posterior debridement/bone grafting/instrumentation for single-segment of thoracic or lumbar spine tuberculosis produced good clinical results, except in patients who had a psoas abscess.     

一期病灶清除经椎弓根截骨内固定治疗腰骶段陈旧结核伴后凸畸形

目的:探讨一期病灶清除经椎弓根截骨(pedicle subtraction osteotomy,PSO)内固定治疗腰骶段陈旧结核伴后凸畸形的临床疗效。方法:2002年2月～2010年6月我院采取一期病灶清除、PSO技术联合椎弓根螺钉及髂骨钉内固定治疗14例腰骶段陈旧结核伴后凸畸形患者,男5例、女9例,平均年龄45.2岁。术前及术后分别测量脊柱腰椎前凸角、腰骶角、后凸Cobb角及躯干矢状偏移距离,并行神经功能Frankel分级、疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)测定,随访观察治疗效果。结果:手术时间平均5.4h,术中出血平均2045ml。随访6个月～3年,平均23.4个月。术前腰椎前凸角、腰骶角、后凸Cobb角及躯干矢状面偏移距离分别为17.0°±8.4°、10.0°±6.1°、11.0°±4.7°、5.3±0.5cm,末次随访时分别为28.0°±7.9°、25.0°±7.6°、4.1°±3.5°、-3.2±0.8cm,矫正率分别为(52.0±4.2)%、(61.3±5.7)%、(68.3±3.6)%、(58.0±1.4)%。术前合并神经功能障碍Frankel C及D级各2例,末次随访时1例C级恢复到D级,其余均恢复至E级。术前VAS评分平均8.75分,末次随访时平均2.52分,疼痛改善率71.2%。所有病例均未出现死亡或神经损伤并发症,2例窦道形成、1例血肿形成,对症治疗后愈合;平均7.3个月植骨节段骨性融合。结论:一期病灶清除PSO内固定可安全有效地用于清除脊柱结核病灶,并同期完成后凸畸形矫正,可重建腰骶段稳定、恢复躯体矢状面平衡。     

Surgical treatment of Scheuermann's disease with segmental compression instrumentation

Twenty-one patients with Scheuermann's kyphosis had surgery for progressive kyphotic deformity of 50 degrees or greater. There were six adolescents, with a mean age of 15.6 years (range, 13-17 years) and 15 young adults, with a mean age of 25.4 years (range, 18-40 years). All patients had posterior spine arthrodesis with segmental compression instrumentation. Seven patients with rigid kyphosis had combined anterior and posterior spine arthrodesis. One patient died of superior mesenteric artery syndrome. In the group of 13 patients with posterior arthrodesis only, followup was 4.5 years. The mean preoperative thoracic kyphotic curve of 68.5 degrees improved to 40 degrees at latest review, with an average loss of correction of 5.75 degrees. Junctional kyphosis occurred in two patients with a short arthrodesis: one at the cephalad end and one at the caudal end of the fused kyphotic curve. In the second group of seven patients with combined anterior and posterior arthrodesis, followup was 6 years. The mean preoperative thoracic kyphotic curve of 86.3 degrees improved to 46.4 degrees at latest review, with an average loss of correction of 4.4 degrees. Overall, there was no postoperative neurologic deficit and no pseudarthrosis. Thus, posterior arthrodesis and segmental compression instrumentation seems to be effective for correcting and stabilizing kyphotic deformity in Scheuermann's disease. Despite a long operating time, this technique provided significant correction, avoiding the development of any secondary deformity in most patients. Combined anterior and posterior spine arthrodesis is recommended for rigid, more severe kyphotic deformities.     

Treatment of Spinal Tuberculosis by Debridement,Interbody Fusion and Internal Fixation via Posterior Approach Only

Surgical treatment for spinal tuberculosis includes focal tuberculosis debridement, segmental stability reconstruction, neural decompression and kyphotic deformity correction. For the lesions mainly involved anterior and middle column of the spine, anterior operation of debridement and fusion with internal fixation has been becoming the most frequently used surgical technique for the spinal tuberculosis. However, high risk of structural damage might relate with anterior surgery, such as damage in lungs, heart, kidney, ureter and bowel, and the deformity correction is also limited. Due to the organs are in the front of spine, there are less complications in posterior approach. Spinal pedicle screw passes through the spinal three‐column structure, which provides more powerful orthopedic forces compared with the vertebral body screw, and the kyphotic deformity correction effect is better in posterior approach. In this paper, we report a 68‐year‐old male patient with thoracic tuberculosis who underwent surgical treatment by debridement, interbody fusion and internal fixation via posterior approach only. The patient was placed in prone position under general anesthesia. Posterior midline incision was performed, and the posterior spinal construction was exposed. Then place pedicle screw, and fix one side rod temporarily. Make the side of more bone destruction and larger abscess as lesion debridement side. Resect the unilateral facet joint, and retain contralateral structure integrity. Protect the spinal cord, nerve root. Clear sequestrum, necrotic tissue, abscess of paravertebral and intervertebral space. Specially designed titanium mesh cages or bone blocks were implanted into interbody. Fix both side rods and compress both sides to make the mesh cages and bone blocks tight. Reconstruct posterior column structure with allogeneic bone and autologous bone. Using this technique, the procedures of debridement, spinal cord decompression, deformity correction, bone grafting, and internal fixation can be completed with only one incision and surgical position, and the deformity correction efficiency is higher than anterior surgery.     

Anterior plating for lower cervical spine tuberculosis

Sixteen patients with tuberculosis of the lower cervical spine and neurological complication or unacceptable kyphosis were treated by anterior debridement, fusion and H-plate fixation. The follow-up was 38 (13-72) months. All cases had bony fusion. There were no increased neurological deficits. Out of 14 patients with neurological manifestations, 12 showed complete recovery and two marked improvements. Kyphosis improved from 21.6 degrees (5-70 degrees) preoperatively to 2.5 degrees (-6-20 degrees) at the latest follow-up. The major advantage of the anterior instrumentation was better correction of the deformity.