One-stage posterior focus debridement,interbody graft using titanium mesh cages,posterior instrumentation and fusion in the surgical treatment of lumbo-sacral spinal tuberculosis in the aged

Purpose

Aged patients represent a high risk group for acquiring spinal tuberculosis, and it still remains a leading cause of kyphosis and paraplegia in developing nations. Aged patients often combined with cardiovascular and respiratory disease and single lung ventilation via anterior approach surgery could result in more post-operative complications. We aimed to analyze the efficacy and feasibility of surgical management of aged patients with lumbo-sacral spine tuberculosis using one-stage posterior focus debridement, interbody graft using titanium mesh cages, posterior instrumentation, and fusion.

Methods

From March 2009 and July 2012, 17 aged patients with lumbo-sacral spinal tuberculosis were treated with one-stage posterior focus debridement, interbody graft using titanium mesh cages, posterior instrumentation, and fusion. There were eight male and nine female with a mean age of 63.3 years (range: 60–71 years). The mean follow-up was 46.5 months (range 38–70 months). Patients were evaluated before and after surgery in terms of ESR, neurological status, visual analog scale (VAS), and lumbosacral angle.

Results

Spinal tuberculosis was completely cured and the grafted bones were fused in all 17 patients. There were no recurrent tuberculous infections. ESR became normal within three months in all patients. The ASIA neurological classification and VAS scores improved in all cases. The average preoperative lumbosacral angle was 20.6° (range 18.1°–22.5°) and became 29.4° (range 27.1°–32.5°) at final follow-up.

Conclusions

Our results showed that one-stage posterior focus debridement, interbody graft using titanium mesh cages, posterior instrumentation, and fusion was an effective treatment for aged patients with lumbo-sacral spinal tuberculosis. It is characterized with minimum surgical trauma, good pain relief, good neurological recovery, and good reconstruction of the spinal stability.

     

Thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis with psoas abscesses treated by one-stage posterior transforaminal lumbar debridement, interbody fusion, posterior instrumentation, and postural drainage

Purpose

Retrospective analysis of the clinical efficacy and feasibility of patients with thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis with psoas abscesses treated by one-stage posterior transforaminal lumbar debridement, interbody fusion, posterior instrumentation, and postural drainage.

Method

A total of 18 patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis (TB), between February 2007 and February 2011, underwent one-stage posterior transforaminal lumbar debridement, interbody fusion, posterior instrumentation, and postural drainage. And the clinical efficacy was evaluated based on surgery duration time, the blood loss, the postural drainage of time, neurological status that was recorded by American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale, the fate of bone graft fusion, kyphosis angle, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP), which were collected at certain time.

Results

The average follow-up period was 34 months (range 18–48 months). 18 patients suffered from seriously neurological deficits pre-operatively, of which 16 patients returned to normal at final follow-up. The surgery duration time was 197 ± 37.9 min, and the blood loss was 815 ± 348.5 ml. The postural drainage of time was 7.2 ± 2.7 days. The psoas abscesses disappeared in all cases, within the time range of 6–9 months (mean 7.4 ± 1.2 months). All patients of the grafted bones were thoroughly fused, with a fusion time ranging from 4 to 12 months (mean 7.8 months). Kyphosis angle was 44.32 ± 7.26° on average pre-operative and returned to 11.72 ± 2.85° at 6 weeks after operation; kyphosis angle was 13.10 ± 2.39° at final follow-up. The values of ESR and CRP were significant declined at 6 weeks post-operative, and returned to normal levels at final follow-up.

Conclusion

With standardized anti-TB chemotherapy, thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis with psoas abscesses could be effectively treated by one-stage posterior transforaminal lumbar debridement, interbody fusion, posterior instrumentation, and postural drainage.     

One-stage posterior transforaminal lumbar debridement, 360° interbody fusion, and posterior instrumentation in treating lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis

Purpose

Retrospective analysis of the clinical study efficacy and feasibility of one-stage posterior transforaminal lumbar debridement, 360° interbody fusion, and posterior instrumentation in treating lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis.

Method

A total of 21 patients with lumbosacral tuberculosis (TB) collected from January 2004 to January 2010, underwent one-stage posterior transforaminal lumbar debridement, 360° interbody fusion, and posterior instrumentation. In addition, the clinical efficacy was evaluated based on the data on the lumbo-sacral angle, neuro-logical status that was recorded by American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP), which were collected at specific time points.

Results

All cases were followed up for 16–36 months (average 24.9 ± 6.44 months). 18 patients suffered from evident neurological deficits preoperatively, of which 16 patients returned to normal at the final follow-up. Two patients with neurological dysfunction aggravated postoperative, experienced significant partial neurological recovery. With an effective and standard anti-TB chemotherapy treated, the values of ESR and CRP returned to normal levels 3-month later postoperative and maintained till the final follow-up. Preoperative lumbosacral angle was 20.89 ± 2.32° and returned 29.62 ± 1.41° postoperative. During long-term follow-up, there was only 1–3° lumbosacral angle loss. There was a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative lumbosacral angles.

Conclusion

With effective and standard anti-TB chemotherapy, one-stage posterior transforaminal lumbar debridement, 360° interbody fusion, and posterior instrumentation for lumbosacral tuberculosis can effectively relieve pain symptoms, improve neurological function, and reconstruct the spinal stability.     

Surgical treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis with adjacent segments lesion via one-stage transpedicular debridement, posterior instrumentation and combined interbody and posterior fusion, a clinical study

Purpose

To investigate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of one-stage surgical treatment for thoracic spinal tuberculosis with adjacent segments lesion by internal fixation, transpedicular debridement, and combined interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior-only approach.

Materials and methods

Twenty-one patients (thirteen males, eight females) with thoracic tuberculosis whose lesions were confined to two adjacent segments were studied retrospectively. All patients were treated with one-stage surgical treatment by internal fixation, transpedicular debridement, and combined interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior-only approach. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale was used to assess neurological function. Thoracic Cobb angle was used to assess thoracic kyphosis. Operating time, blood loss, complications, neurological function, deformity correction and interbody fusion were investigated.

Results

Average mean operating time was 231.4 ± 31.9 min, and evaluated blood loss during operation was 880.2 ± 112.7 ml. All patients were followed up for 22–41 months postoperatively (average 29.8 ± 5.4 months). All patients had significant postoperative improvement in ASIA classification scores. The thoracic kyphotic angles were significantly decreased to 9°–25° postoperatively (average 16.7° ± 4.4°), and at final follow-up were 10°–27°(average 17.7° ± 4.4°). No severe complications or spinal cord injury occurred. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate recovered to normal within 3 months postoperatively in all patients. All patients got bony fusion within 6–9 months after surgery.

Conclusions

One-stage transpedicular debridement, posterior instrumentation and combined interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior-only approach can be an effective and feasible treatment method for thoracic spinal tuberculosis.     

Surgical management by one-stage posterior transforaminal lumbar debridement, interbody fusion, and posterior instrumentation for lumbo-sacral tuberculosis in the aged

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical study efficacy and feasibility of 17 aged patients with lumbo-sacral tuberculosis treated by one-stage posterior transforaminal lumbar debridement, interbody fusion, and posterior instrumentation.

Methods

17 aged patients who suffered from lumbo-sacral tuberculosis were admitted into our hospital between March 2003 and October 2010. All of them were treated by one-stage posterior transforaminal lumbar debridement, interbody fusion, and posterior instrumentation. Then the clinical efficacy with statistical analysis was evaluated based on the materials on the lumbo-sacral angle, neurological status that was recorded by Frankel grade system, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which were collected at certain time.

Results

The average follow-up period was 47.5?±?17.1?months (17?C71?months), In the 17 cases, no postoperative complications related to instrumentation occurred and neurologic function was improved in various degrees. The mean preoperative lumbo-sacral angle was 20.5°?±?1.7° (range 18.0°?C23.0°). The lumbo-sacral angle became 29.1°?±?1.5° (range 26.4°?C31.0°) postoperatively. The average pretreatment ESR was 57.4?±?16.8?mm/h (33?C95?mm/h), which got normal (9.2?±?3.1?mm/h) within 3?months in all patients. All patients got bony fusion within 6?C8?months after surgery.

Conclusions

One-stage posterior transforaminal lumbar debridement, interbody fusion, and posterior instrumentation can be an effective treatment method for the treatment of lumbo-sacral tuberculosis in the aged patients.     

一期后路病灶清除植骨融合内固定治疗胸腰椎结核

目的：探讨一期后路病灶清除植骨融合内固定治疗胸腰椎结核的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2010年1月～2012年6月本院采用一期后路病灶清除植骨融合内固定治疗的28例胸腰椎结核患者的临床资料,对比研究患者手术前后患椎后凸Cobb角、红细胞沉降率（ erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR）、C 反应蛋白（ C-reaction protein, CRP）、植骨融合及美国脊髓损伤协会（ American Spinal Injury Association, ASIA）分级变化情况。结果28例获得随访,平均随访1．2年,术后Cobb角无明显丢失,后凸畸形平均纠正4．12°,平均矫正率24．5％。末次随访ESR、CRP恢复正常,植骨大部分骨性融合,融合时间平均为7．8个月,原有症状大部分消失,神经功能均有不同程度恢复。结论一期后路病灶清除植骨融合内固定治疗胸腰椎结核可有效完成病灶清除、减压、矫正后凸畸形、恢复生理曲度和重建脊柱稳定性,效果满意。     

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.     

Posterior vertebrectomy in kyphosis, scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis due to hemivertebra

Vertebrectomy and instrumentation only via the posterior approach has been increasingly used in sagittal, frontal plane and combined deformities. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of hemivertebrectomy and instrumentation only via the posterior approach in congenital spinal deformities. Between 1998 and 2003, we performed hemivertebrectomy and interbody fusion using posterior instrumentation with titanium mesh cage via the posterior approach in 19 patients (three scoliosis, five kyphosis and 11 kyphoscoliosis). The age of the patients ranged from 2 to 22 years and they all underwent hemivertebrectomy (at thoracic level in six patients, at thoracolumbar level in eight patients and at lumbar level in five patients). A titanium mesh cage was used for anterior column support and interbody fusion in patients who had residual anterior gap preventing bone-to-bone contact. Correction and stabilization were achieved by posterior polyaxial pedicle screws. Follow-up was an average of 4.6 years (range: 2-7 years). We did not confront any loss of correction, pseudoarthrosis, and titanium mesh cage collapse or implant failure. Hemivertebrectomy and instrumentation via the posterior approach is a good one-stage surgical treatment option that can be used to avoid the surgical trauma and morbidity related to anterior surgery. It is a technically demanding surgical procedure, however, requiring extreme care and experience in spine surgery.     

One-stage surgical management for children with spinal tuberculosis by anterior decompression and posterior instrumentation

The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of one-stage surgical management for children with spinal tuberculosis by anterior decompression, bone grafting, posterior instrumentation, and fusion. Between January 2002 and December 2006, 15 cases with spinal tuberculosis were treated with one-stage posterior internal fixation and anterior debridement. All cases were followed-up for an average of 30.3 months (range 12–48 months). The average neurological recovery in the patients was 0.93 grades on the scale of Frankel et al. (Paraplegia 7:179–192, 1969). The average preoperative kyphosis was 36° (range 19–59°), and the average postoperative kyphosis was 23° (range 15–38°) at final follow-up. At final follow-up, minimal progression of kyphosis was seen, with an average kyphosis of 27° (range 16–40°). An average loss of correction of 4° was seen at final follow-up. One-stage surgical management for children with spinal tuberculosis by anterior decompression, bone grafting, posterior instrumentation, and fusion was feasible and effective.     

Do anterior interbody cages have a potential value in comparison to autogenous rib graft in the surgical management of Scheuermann's kyphosis?

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Previous studies have analyzed the outcome following posterior correction and combined anterior-posterior correction for Scheuermann's kyphosis. Traditionally interbody fusion has been obtained using morselized rib graft. Recently the use of titanium anterior cages has been suggested for interbody use. There are no long-term studies comparing these two techniques. PURPOSE: To investigate the potential value of titanium anterior interbody cages compared with morselized rib graft for anterior interbody fusion in combination with posterior instrumentation, correction, and fusion for Scheuermann's kyphosis. STUDY DESIGN: Nonrandomized comparison of two surgical techniques in matched subjects. PATIENT SAMPLE: Fifteen patients with identical preoperative radiographic and physical variables (age, gender, height, weight, body mass index) were managed with combined anterior release, interbody fusion, posterior instrumentation, correction, and fusion. Group A (n=8) had morselized rib graft inserted into each intervertebral disc space. Group B (n=7) had titanium interbody cages packed with bone graft inserted at each level. The posterior instrumentation extended from T2 to L2 in both groups. OUTCOME MEASURES: Preoperative and postoperative curve morphometry was studied on plain radiographs by two independent observers. The indices studied included Cobb angle, Ferguson's angle, Voutsinas index, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), sacral inclination (SI), and lumbar lordosis (LL). Interbody fusion was assessed at final follow-up. Each patient was reviewed at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 60 months after surgery with standing radiographs. METHODS: Both surgical groups were compared in terms of radiological parameters and complications. Wilcoxon-matched pairs test and Mann-Whitney test were used. RESULTS: The average follow-up for Group A was 70 months and for Group B 66 months. For the whole group, the preoperative median Cobb angle for thoracic kyphosis was 86 degrees , the median Ferguson angle was 50 degrees , Voutsinas index was 28.7, SVA -3.5 centimeters, lumbar lordosis was 66 degrees , and the median sacral inclination angle was 40 degrees . The median postoperative Cobb angle was 42 degrees , Ferguson angle 28.4 degrees , Voutsinas index 13, SVA -4.0 centimeters, and the median sacral inclination angle was 34 degrees . There were significant differences between preoperative and postoperative measurements for all variables (p<.01), indicating that good correction was achieved. At 4-year follow-up, fusion criteria were satisfied in 12 of 15 cases (80%). Three patients had distal junctional kyphosis. There was no significant difference obtained in the final Cobb angle, Ferguson angle, and Voutsinas index when Group A (rib graft) was compared with Group B (titanium cage) Both Group A and B patients retained the postoperative correction achieved with respect to all the radiographic parameters studied. CONCLUSION: We were unable to demonstrate any significant advantage for the use of anterior titanium interbody cages over the use of morselized rib graft in the surgical management of Scheuermann's kyphosis. Given the not inconsiderable cost and the need for posterior chevron osteotomies when interbody cages are used, we have now reverted to our previous practice of using morselized rib graft at each intervertebral level.     

Single stage anterior reconstruction using titanium mesh cages in neglected kyphotic tuberculous spondylodiscitis of the cervical spine

Cervical tuberculous spondylodiscitis is a serious, hazardous disorder and to our knowledge, hardly any reports focused on the use of titanium mesh cages in its treatment. The aim of this work is to evaluate the efficacy of using a titanium mesh cage compared to iliac crest grafting regarding correction of the deformity, fusion rate and to report the incidence of complications. A prospective, non-randomized multicentre study of 30 patients with cervical tuberculous spondylodiscitis presenting with a neglected kyphotic deformity. The average age was 44.5 years; 18 had neurological deficits. All patients had a single stage radical debridement, decompression, and instrumentation. The anterior column was reconstructed with a titanium mesh cage in 16 patients (Group 1) and an autogenous iliac bone strut graft in 14 (Group 2). Both groups were followed for a minimum of 2 years. Group 1 showed a better sagittal profile and local kyphosis was corrected from an average of 36° (10°–62°) to an average of −6° (+4° to −16°) compared to Group 2 corrected from an average of 30° (6°–48°) to an average of −1° (+2° to −13°). Group 1 patients showed a solid bony fusion without any recurrence of infection while Group 2 showed a higher incidence of nonunion and of persistent donor site morbidity. The use of titanium mesh cages effectively restores the sagittal profile while adding immediate stability. There is no donor site morbidity, recurrence, or persistence of infection associated with their implantation.     

一期后路病灶清除内固定椎体间植骨治疗脊柱结核

目的探讨一期后路病灶清除内固定椎体间植骨融合术治疗脊柱结核的临床效果。方法 2006年7月~2013年9月,对36例胸腰段脊柱结核患者均采用一期后路病灶清除内固定椎体间植骨融合术治疗。后路内固定采用椎弓根螺钉系统,病灶清除后采用结构性支撑,自体大块髂骨植骨9例,椎间融合器椎间植骨并自体髂骨骨粒植骨27例。结果平均随访22个月,所有病例植骨均骨性融合,内固定无松动、断裂,3例有神经功能障碍者恢复良好。结论脊柱结核手术治疗中,后路病灶清除内固定是安全有效的。后路植骨融合率高,是一种较好的手术方式。     

胸椎及胸腰段脊柱结核的外科治疗

目的:探讨胸椎及胸腰段脊柱结核的外科治疗原则及手术入路选择.方法:回顾分析2001年至2008年收治的胸椎及胸腰段脊柱结核病例232例,男148例,女84例;年龄20～76岁,平均37.8岁.术前后凸角度(Cobb角)＜30°者65例,30°～60°者147例,＞60°者20例.术前Frankel B级13例,C级12例,D级41例,E级166例.48例行单切口双入路手术,184例行经胸或经胸腹Ⅰ期前入路手术.术中清除病灶组织送病理检测和结核杆菌培养及药物敏感试验,术后根据药物敏感试验实行个体化的化疗方案治疗1～1.5年.随访内容包括复发率、植骨融合率、截瘫恢复和后凸畸形矫正状况.结果:232例患者均安全度过围手术期,2例术后伤口不愈,形成窦道,经局部换药治疗后治愈;其余患者术后伤口均Ⅰ期愈合.手术并发症包括肋间神经疼痛或麻木135例,气胸或胸腔积液13例,均无须特殊处理.232例均获随访,随访时间1.0～4.5年,平均2.6年.随访期内结核未见复发,所有出现神经损害的66例患者,神经症状得到改善或完全恢复.所有患者均显示骨性融合,术后后凸畸形平均矫正27.5°,末次随访,后凸角度平均丢失4.2°.所有病例病理检测确诊脊柱结核,107例培养出结核杆菌,阳性率46.1%,40例结核杆菌耐药,耐药率37.4%,其中8例结核杆菌耐多药,耐多药率7.5%.结论:对胸椎或胸腰段脊柱结核,首选的手术方式是经胸或经胸腹Ⅰ期前方入路病灶清除、肋骨或钛笼植骨、钢板内固定术;针对性的抗痨治疗是脊柱结核治疗的关键.     

一期后路病灶清除楔形截骨联合椎体间颗粒骨植骨融合术治疗伴严重后凸畸形的活动期胸腰椎结核

目的探讨一期后路病灶清除楔形截骨联合椎体间颗粒骨植骨融合术治疗伴严重后凸畸形的活动期胸腰椎结核的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析在山西医科大学第二医院接受一期后路病灶清除楔形截骨联合椎体间颗粒骨植骨融合术治疗的30例胸腰椎结核患者的临床资料。术前及末次随访时采用疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分评估疼痛程度,采用美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)分级评估脊髓损伤程度;术后每3个月行X线复查,评估骨融合情况和后凸畸形矫正情况;末次随访时采用Kirkaldy-Willis功能评分评估综合疗效。结果所有手术顺利完成,所有患者随访(24±5)个月,骨融合时间为(6.3±2.3)个月,融合率为100%。ASIA分级术前B级1例、C级2例术后恢复至D级;术前D级14例,术后12例恢复至E级,2例仍为D级;术前E级13例,术后仍为E级。后凸Cobb角术前为40.1°±8.1°,术后即刻为12.0°±7.0°,末次随访时为15.1°±6.9°,随访期间矫正角度丢失3.1°±1.4°,末次随访时后凸Cobb角与术前相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。根据Kirkaldy-Willis功能评分标准,末次随访时综合疗效优22例、良6例、可2例,总优良率为93.33%。结论一期后路病灶清除楔形截骨联合椎体间颗粒骨植骨融合术治疗伴严重后凸畸形的活动期胸腰椎结核安全有效,但尚需更多的研究来验证其疗效,并得到确切的手术适应证。     

One-stage surgical treatment for upper thoracic spinal tuberculosis by internal fixation, debridement, and combined interbody and posterior fusion via posterior-only approach

Purpose

To investigate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of one-stage surgical treatment for upper thoracic spinal tuberculosis by internal fixation, debridement, and combined interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior-only approach.

Methods

Fourteen patients (eight males, six females) with upper thoracic tuberculosis whose lesions were confined to two adjacent segments were admitted to our hospital. Their ages ranged from 23 to 72 years (average, 50 years). The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale was used to assess neurological function. ASIA classification showed that preoperatively, one patient was grade A, two patients were grade B, eight patients were grade C, and three patients were grade D. All patients were treated with one-stage surgical treatment by internal fixation, debridement, and combined interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior-only approach. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by measurement of thoracic kyphotic angles using Cobb angle evaluation, determination of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), evaluation of ASIA impairment scale, and radiological examination.

Results

Operation time ranged from 70 to 135 min, (average, 110 min). Intraoperative blood loss ranged from 200 to 950 mL (average, 450 mL). All patients were followed up for 22 to 48 months postoperatively (average, 31.5 months). No sinus tract formation, cerebrospinal meningitis, or recurrence of tuberculosis occurred. All patients had significant postoperative improvement in ASIA classification scores. The thoracic kyphotic angles were significantly decreased to 12°–26° postoperatively, and at final follow-up were 13°–28°. The ESR recovered to normal within 6 months postoperatively in all patients. Bone fusion was achieved within 3–8 months (average, 5.5 months).

Conclusions

One-stage surgical treatment for upper thoracic spinal tuberculosis by internal fixation, debridement, and combined interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior-only approach can be an effective and feasible treatment method.     

Single-stage treatment of pyogenic spinal infection with titanium mesh cages

STUDY DESIGN: Single institution retrospective review. OBJECTIVES: To report a series of pyogenic spinal infections treated with single-stage debridement and reconstruction with titanium mesh cages. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Various studies have reported surgical results of pyogenic spinal osteomyelitis with anterior debridement, strut grafting and fusion, including delayed posterior spinal instrumentation. Additionally, various authors have recommended against the use of instrumentation because of the concern about glycocalyx formation on the metal and chronic infection. At our institution, we routinely treat chronic vertebral osteomyelitis with single-stage debridement, reconstruction with a titanium mesh cage filled with allograft chips and demineralized bone matrix, and posterior pedicle screw instrumentation. To our knowledge, this is the largest single series reporting single-stage debridement and instrumentation of pyogenic spinal infection with titanium mesh cages and posterior instrumentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the patient records and radiographs of 21 consecutive patients (average age 49.3 years, range 23 to 80 years) with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis, all treated with titanium mesh cages. Average follow-up was 44 months (range, 25 to 70 months). Spinal levels included 6 thoracic, 4 thoracolumbar, 9 lumbar, and 2 lumbosacral (L5-S1) lesions. All patients had preoperative serum evaluation, which usually included blood cultures, complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP), in addition to plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging. A positive needle biopsy was available in only 2/7 patients (29%), and overall, preoperative pathogen identification was available in only 7/21 patients (33%). All patients were treated postoperatively with a minimum of 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics, with a specific antibiotic regimen directed toward the postoperative pathogen when identified (17/21 cases). Extensive radiographic evaluation was also performed. RESULTS: ESR and CRP were routinely elevated (18/20 and 11/17 cases respectively), whereas the white blood count was elevated in only 8 out of 21 cases (38%). The average duration of symptoms to diagnosis was approximately 13.6 weeks (range 3 weeks to 10 months). The indications for surgery included neurologic compromise, significant vertebral body destruction with loss of sagittal alignment, failure of medical treatment, and/or epidural abscess. All patients had resolution of infection, as noted by normalization of the ESR and CRP. Further, 16 out of 21 patients also had a significant reduction of pain. There were no deaths or new postoperative neurologic compromise. The most common pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus. Two patients required a second surgery (posterior irrigation and debridement) during the same admission for persistent wound drainage. Radiographically, the average segmental kyphosis (or loss of lordosis) was 11.5 degrees (range, 0 to 24 degrees) preoperatively, and +0.8 degrees (range, -3 to +5 degrees) at latest postoperative follow-up. There was an average of 2.2 mm cage settling (range, 0 to 5 mm) on latest follow-up. There were no instrumentation failures, signs of chronic infection, or rejection. CONCLUSIONS: Titanium mesh cages present a viable option for single-stage anterior surgical debridement and reconstruction of vertebral osteomyelitis, without evidence of chronic infection or rejection. When used in conjunction with pedicle screw instrumentation, there is minimal cage settling without loss of sagittal alignment.     

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。     

后路椎板减压病灶清除钛网植骨内固定术治疗胸椎结核

目的探讨后路椎板减压病灶清除钛网植骨内固定术治疗胸椎结核的安全性及有效性。方法回顾性分析2013年10月—2015年7月采用后路椎板减压病灶清除钛网植骨内固定术治疗的28例胸椎结核患者资料。记录手术时间、术中出血量,比较术前、术后1周和末次随访时患者胸腰背部疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分、胸椎后凸Cobb角、脊柱矢状面偏移(SVA)、骨盆入射角(PI)、骨盆倾斜角(PT)、骶骨倾斜角(SS)、红细胞沉降率(ESR)、C反应蛋白(CRP),观察神经功能改善情况、植骨融合情况及并发症发生情况。结果所有患者均得到随访,随访(20.3±4.4)个月,手术时间(194.1±27.3)min,术中出血量(921.4±199.3)m L。术后患者胸腰背部疼痛VAS评分、胸椎后凸Cobb角、SVA、PT、SS、ESR、CRP均较术前明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后大部分患者神经功能得到明显改善,植骨融合率达100%,所有患者均无结核复发、均未发生严重并发症。结论后路椎板减压病灶清除钛网植骨内固定术治疗胸椎结核安全、有效。     

Pyogenic lumbar spondylodiscitis treated with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: safety and outcomes

Purpose

Our aim was to study the safety and outcomes of posterior instrumentation and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for treating pyogenic lumbar spondylodiscitis.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed on prospectively collected data of 27 consecutive cases of lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis treated with posterior instrumentation and TLIF between January 2009 and December 2012. Cases were analysed for safety, radiological and clinical outcomes of transforaminal interbody fusion using bone graft?±?titanium cages. Interbody metallic cages with bone graft were used in 17 cases and ten cases used only bone graft. Indications for surgical treatment were failed conservative management in 17, neurodeficit in six and significant bony destruction in four.

Results

There were no cases reporting cage migration, loosening, pseudoarthrosis or recurrence of infection at a mean follow-up of 30 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Kirkaldy–Willis criteria, which showed 14 excellent, nine good, three fair and one poor result. Mean focal deformity improved with the use of bone graft?±?interbody cages, and the deformity correction was maintained at final follow-up. Mean pre-operative focal lordosis for the graft group was 8.5° (2–16.5°), which improved to 10.9 °(3.3–16°); mean pre-operative focal lordosis in the group treated with cages was 6.7 °(0–15°), which improved to 7°(0–15°) .

Conclusion

TLIFs with cages in patients with pyogenic lumbar spondylodiscitis allows for acceptable clearance of infection, satisfactory deformity correction with low incidence of cage migration, loosening and infection recurrence.

     

One-stage posterior debridement, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and instrumentation in treatment of lumbar spinal tuberculosis: a retrospective case series

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes of surgical management by one-stage posterior debridement, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and instrumentation and combined posterior and anterior approaches for lumbar spinal tuberculosis, and determine the clinical effectiveness of the posterior only surgical treatment for lumbar spinal TB at the same time.

Methods

Thirty-seven patients who suffered lumbar tuberculosis were treated by two different surgical procedures in our center from May 2004 to June 2012. All the cases were divided into two groups: 19 cases in Group A underwent one-stage posterior debridement, TLIF and instrumentation, and 18 cases in Group B underwent posterior instrumentation, anterior debridement and bone graft in a single-stage procedure. The operation time, blood loss, lumbar kyphotic angle, recovery of neurological function and fusion time were, respectively, compared between Group A and Group B.

Results

The average follow-up period for Group A was 46.6 ± 16.7 months, and for Group B, 47.5 ± 15.0 months. It was obvious that the average operative duration and blood loss of Group A was less than those of Group B. Lumbar tuberculosis was completely cured and the grafted bones were fused in 10 months in all patients. There was no persistence or recurrence of infection and no differences in the radiological results in both groups. The kyphosis was significantly corrected after surgical management. The average pretreatment ESR was 60.7 ± 22.5 mm/h, which became normal (9.0 ± 2.8 mm/h) within 3 months in all patients.

Conclusions

Surgical management by one-stage posterior debridement, TLIF and instrumentation for lumbar tuberculosis is feasible and effective. This approach obtained better clinical outcomes than combined posterior and anterior surgeries.