胸椎间盘突出合并胸椎黄韧带骨化症的手术治疗

目的回顾性研究胸椎间盘突出症(TDH)合并胸椎黄韧带骨化症(OTLF)患者前后路一期手术的临床疗效。方法1999年1月~2005年12月收治5例TDH合并OTLF患者,其中男3例,女2例;年龄41~65岁,平均55岁。病程1~58个月,平均18个月。术前Frankel分级:B级1例,C级3例,D级1例。采用一期前路经胸胸椎侧前方椎间盘切除减压植骨内固定加后路全椎板切除椎管减压手术治疗。术后按JOA评分及H irabayash i功能改善率评价手术疗效。结果随访6~50个月,平均20个月。术前JOA评分2~9分,平均5.1分;术后末次随访时5~10分,平均9.1分;平均功能改善率为78.9%。术后末次随访时Frankel分级:C级1例,D级4例。并发症:肺不张1例;双下肢肌力较术前下降1级1例。未发生严重并发症。结论在有条件的医院,一期经胸腔前后路手术是治疗TDH合并OTLF患者可行和疗效较好的治疗方法。     

“菱形”截骨切除脊髓前方致压物治疗硬化性胸及胸腰段椎间盘突出症

目的:探讨经后路"菱形"截骨切除脊髓前方致压物治疗硬化性胸及胸腰段椎间盘突出症的临床疗效。方法:2009年8月~2014年7月,共收治26例硬化性胸及胸腰段椎间盘突出症患者,男19例,女7例;年龄平均43.8±23.3岁(18~70岁)。19例为胸椎间盘突出,包括胸椎间盘突出并钙化14例,胸椎后缘骨赘5例;7例为胸腰段椎间盘突出并钙化。术前神经功能Frankel分级:B级3例,C级14例,D级9例。手术均采用经后路"菱形"截骨切除脊髓前方致压物。手术疗效评价参照改良Macnab疗效评定标准及Frankel分级,随访观察治疗效果。结果:手术均顺利完成,术后X线片显示内固定位置良好,CT显示突出物切除彻底。1例患者(T10/11)术后出现症状加重(Frankel分级由D级变为C级),经甲强龙、脱水剂、营养神经药物治疗后恢复至术前水平。随访5~36个月,平均19.8个月。24例患者术后神经功能获不同程度恢复(2例Frankel D级患者无变化)。根据改良Macnab疗效评定标准,本组优15例,良8例,可2例,差1例,优良率88.46%(23/26),总有效率96.15%(25/26)。所有患者均获得骨性融合,无内固定松动断裂等并发症发生。结论:经后路"菱形"截骨切除脊髓前方致压物治疗硬化性胸及胸腰段椎间盘突出症可获得满意疗效。     

经胸腔侧前方入路治疗中央钙化型胸椎间盘突出症

[目的]探讨经胸腔侧前方入路治疗中央钙化型胸椎间盘突出症的临床效果和手术安全性。[方法]回顾性分析2008年1月~2013年6月,在本院行胸腔侧前方入路治疗的23例中央钙化型胸椎间盘突出症患者,其中男13例,女10例;年龄40~68岁,平均52.8岁,病程9~49个月,平均20个月;所有患者术前均行X线、CT及MRI检查,突出类型:巨大型19例,非巨大型4例;突出部位:T5~62例,T7~83例,T8~94例,T9~104例,T10~118例,T11~122例。采用改良的日本骨科协会(JOA)评分法(11分法)及Frankel分级评价手术效果。[结果]23例患者中,19例行椎体次全切除减压椎间融合内固定术,其中4例行椎间盘切除减压内固定术,手术时间为140~210 min,平均180 min。术中出血量300~2 000 ml,平均860 ml,手术均顺利,术后未出现神经功能加重者。1例出现硬脊膜撕裂,经修补后愈合良好;1例术后出现张力性气胸,闭式胸管引流后,呼吸逐渐平稳;1例术后出现伤口感染,加强换药,应用敏感抗生素后伤口已愈合。所有患者均获得随访,随访时间6~45个月,平均30个月,随访期间未出现脊柱不稳及内固定物松动、移位、断裂等并发症。JOA评分由术前(4.31±1.13)(3~6分)分提高至术后(7.50±1.63)(4~10分),术后JOA评分与术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=9.98,P<0.01),JOA改善率(48.88±19.17)%(0~100%),优7例,良11例,可3例,未改善2例;末次随访时根据Frankel分级方法,A级0例,B级2例,C级2例,D级8例,E级11例。[结论]经胸腔侧前方入路治疗中央钙化型胸椎间盘突出症可获得满意疗效。     

小切口侧前路显微减压治疗胸椎及胸腰段椎间盘突出钙化所致脊髓病

目的 评价小切口侧前路显微减压治疗胸椎及胸腰段椎间盘突出钙化所致脊髓病临床疗效.方法 采用手术显微镜下小切口侧前路切除钙化的突出椎间盘,治疗胸椎及胸腰段椎间盘突出钙化所致脊髓病共6例.均有明显脊髓受压所致脊髓病表现.结果 6例手术减压彻底,脊髓压迫完全解除.无神经功能损害加重、脑脊液漏、伤口感染病例.术后6例随访6～26个月,平均17个月,临床疗效优良率为83.3%.结论 小切口显微减压治疗胸椎及胸腰段椎间盘突出钙化所致脊髓病具有创伤小、安全及疗效满意的优点.     

经关节突减压融合治疗腹侧压迫型胸椎管狭窄症

目的 探讨经关节突减压融合治疗腹侧压迫型胸椎管狭窄症的手术疗效和安全性.方法 2005年4月至2009年4月,采用后方人路经关节突行椎管腹侧减压,同时行前路植骨后路内固定融合术治疗腹侧压迫型胸椎管狭窄症患者33例,其中获得12个月以上随访者19例,男10例,女9例;年龄33～77岁,平均55.9岁;胸椎后纵韧带骨化(ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament,OPLL)5例,胸椎间盘突出症(thoracic disc hemiation,TDH)11例,胸椎OPLL合并胸椎黄韧带骨化(ossification of ligamentum flavum,OLF)2例,TDH合并OLF 1例.采用改良日本骨科协会(Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA)评分法和Nurick分级评价神经减压效果.结果 手术时间180～480 min,平均299.5 min;术中出血量250～2200 ml,平均918.5 ml.7例胸椎OPLL患者(包括合并OLF)术中出现硬膜损伤1例,术后发现神经功能恶化2例.12例TDH患者(包括合并OLF),术后无神经功能恶化,未发现脑脊液漏及其他并发症.术后随访时间12～54个月,平均28.6个月.术前JOA评分2～11分,平均63分;末次随访时JOA评分5～11分,平均8.6分.术前Nurick分级0～5级的例数分别为:2、2、4、5、2、4例,术后Nurick分级0～5级的例数分别为:6、6、3、3、1、0例.结论 采用经关节突人路减压融合治疗腹侧压迫型胸椎管狭窄症可以获得充分的减压及满意的疗效,可以作为一种较为安全的胸椎管腹侧减压入路.     

后路胸椎椎间融合术治疗胸椎间盘突出症

目的探讨经后路胸椎椎间融合术治疗胸椎间盘突出症的手术方法及临床效果。方法自2008-07—2013-11采用经后路胸椎椎间融合术治疗胸椎间盘突出症12例。结果本组手术时间130~270 min,平均177 min;术中出血量150~1 200 ml,平均516 ml。12例均获得随访1~3年。末次随访时X线及CT二维重建片均显示胸椎间骨性融合,无内固定松动、断裂。所有患者症状均有改善,参照Epstein标准:优7例,良3例,可2例。结论经后路胸椎椎间融合术治疗胸椎间盘突出症可提供充分的减压及足够的稳定,并且安全、有效,操作较为简单,值得推广应用。     

经侧前方肋间隙胸膜外入路切除胸椎椎体后缘骨内软骨结节的胸椎管减压

【摘要】 目的：探讨侧前方经肋间隙胸膜外入路手术切除胸椎椎体后缘骨内软骨结节治疗胸椎管狭窄症的方法和疗效。方法：2002年4月~2012年9月,对18例明确诊断为胸椎椎体后缘骨内软骨结节所致椎管狭窄症患者采用经侧前方肋间隙胸膜外入路减压内固定融合术治疗,男12例,女6例;年龄33~61岁,平均46岁。影像学证实均为单一节段椎体后缘骨内软骨结节,且不合并胸椎黄韧带骨化及后纵韧带骨化。病变节段：T7/8 2例,T8/9 4例,T9/10 5例,T10/11 7例。术前神经功能Frankel分级：C级6例,D级12例;JOA评分6.6±1.3分。观察术后疗效和并发症发生情况。结果：18例患者均顺利完成手术,平均用时3.5h,平均出血量420ml（350~620ml）,术后无气胸、胸腔积液等并发症发生;1例术后1周发生肺炎,5例术后第2天复查胸片时发现邻近肋骨骨折,均经保守治疗后痊愈。所有患者均获得随访,随访时间2~12年,平均6年。疗效参照Epstein标准评价,优15例,良2例,差1例,优良率94%（17/18）。术前Frankel分级为C级的患者1例无明显改善,1例改善至D级,4例改善为E级;12例D级患者均改善为E级。JOA评分改善到9.4±1.6分,与术前比较有显著性差异（P<0.05）。术后1年复查CT见椎间植骨区表面有连续性骨小梁通过,末次随访时影像学检查未发现内固定断裂、松动和植骨不融合现象。结论：对于胸椎椎体后缘骨内软骨结节所致胸椎管狭窄症患者,采用经侧前方肋间隙胸膜外入路胸椎椎体后缘骨内软骨结节切除减压可取得较好的临床疗效,是一种安全有效的手术方式。     

手术治疗胸椎管狭窄症的效果分析

目的:探讨胸椎管狭窄症患者手术治疗的近期疗效.方法:2003年3月～2009年6月手术治疗胸椎管狭窄症患者21例,其中后路椎板切除减压术16例.经胸膜外或腹膜后侧前方入路椎间盘切除或椎体次全切除、植骨融合固定术4例,经胸腔侧前方人路椎体次全切除椎间植骨融合前路钢板固定术1例.观察并发症发生情况,记录术前、术后2周和末次随访时的神经功能Frankel分级及胸椎JOA评分,测量手术节段后凸Cobb角.结果:平均手术时间1.56min,平均术中出血量280ml,术中无血管损伤.6例发生术后并发症,其中单纯脑脊液漏2例,神经根损伤并脑脊液漏1例,硬膜外血肿1例,一过性神经功能损伤加重2例,均经处理后治愈.随访6～75个月.平均21个月,术后2周Frankel分级10例改善、11例无变化.末次随访时Frankel分级13例改善、8例无变化.术后2周、末次随访时JOA评分较术前改善(P<0.05),术后2周和末次随访时的平均改善率分别为42.8%、63.1%,优良率分别为28.6%、71.4%,总有效率均为85.8%.末次随访时多节段椎板切除减压患者手术节段后凸Cobb角较术前增加(P<0.05).结论:对胸椎管狭窄症患者采用后路椎板切除减压为主的手术治疗可获得较好的近期效果,但手术并发症发生率较高,多节段椎板切除可导致后凸角明显增加.     

胸椎管狭窄症的术式选择

目的 探讨胸椎管狭窄症的手术方式.方法 回顾分析1992年8月～2008年4月期间治疗的胸椎管狭窄症患者124例,使用传统椎板切除减压32例,前方经胸减压植骨内固定2例,后方加侧前方减压3例,多椎板整块切除法减压87例.采用日本矫形外科协会(JOA)胸脊髓病评分法,术前评分为(4.31±1.85)分.结果 随访时间12～138个月,平均30个月,随访时JOA评分为(9.15±1.97)分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=30.125,P=0.000),其中优49例,良52例,改善15例,无变化4例,加重4例,优良率为81.45%(101/124),总有效率为93.55%(116/124).并发症:术中有硬膜撕裂或缺损的12例患者,均给予仔细修复,再加严密缝合切口各层组织,术后未形成脑脊液漏;皮肤浅表感染3例,经换药愈合.随访临床和X线片均未见胸椎不稳定表现.结论 胸椎管狭窄症的后路减压效果满意,多椎板整块切除法具有减压彻底、操作安全和疗效肯定等优点,前路减压植骨内固定只适用于局限型OPLL和胸椎间盘突出症.     

硬化性胸椎间盘突出症手术并发症及防治策略

目的分析硬化性胸椎间盘突出症手术并发症,总结其手术技巧和经验。方法回顾性分析2007年4月至2014年4月采用经关节突入路减压植骨内固定手术治疗的35例硬化性胸椎间盘突出症患者,其中男22例,女13例;年龄29~65岁;包括胸椎后缘骨赘11例,胸椎间盘突出并钙化24例;术前Frankel分级:D级10例,C级21例,B级4例。结果术后35例均获得随访,随访时间12~36个月,平均15.6个月。其中2例患者术后运动功能障碍加重,经脱水剂、甲强龙及神经营养药物治疗后1例恢复至术前水平,1例虽有所恢复,但未达到术前水平;3例患者术后6个月植骨仍未愈合,其中2例经延长愈合时间,约术后12个月获得骨性融合,1例发生内固定螺钉断裂,术后18个月骨性融合后取出内固定;硬膜撕裂5例,发生于硬膜旁侧2例,术中经硬膜修补后无脑脊液漏发生,3例硬膜破裂位于硬膜腹侧,因无法行硬膜修补,术后均发生脑脊液漏。手术疗效评价参照改良Macnab疗效评定标准,其中差2例,可3例,良8例,优22例,优良率85.71%(30/35),总有效率94.29%(33/35)。术后Frankel分级:E级19例,D级12例,C级4例。结论经关节突入路减压植骨内固定手术治疗硬化性胸椎间盘突出症可获得满意的疗效,但术中应尽量避免相关并发症的发生。     

Transthoracic approach for the treatment of calcified giant herniated thoracic discs

Objective

This study aimed at reporting the results of a transthoracic approach in the treatment of patients with calcified giant herniated thoracic discs (HTDs).

Methods

Fifteen consecutive patients, 11 males and 4 females with a mean age of 46 years (range 33–61), with calcified giant HTDs underwent transthoracic decompression and segmental instrumentation with interbody fusion from November 2004 to September 2010. Clinical data retrospectively examined and compared were levels and types of disc herniation, operative time, blood loss, pre- and postoperative Frankel grades and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, and complications.

Results

Of the 15 patients, 2 had HTDs at two levels and affected discs were primarily at the T11/12 level (60 %). Presenting symptoms included myelopathy, axial back pain, urinary symptoms, and radiculopathy. Disc herniations were classified as central (40 %) or paracentral (60 %). All discs were successfully removed without dural tears or cerebral spinal fluid leakage. The mean operation time was 179 ± 27 min (range 140–210 min), and the mean estimated blood loss was 840 ± 470 ml (range 300–2,000 ml). Frankel grades improved in 9 patients postoperatively and 12 patients at the last follow-up. The mean JOA score improved from 4.9 to 7.7. All patients reported improvement in symptoms. The average duration of follow-up was 45 ± 24 months (range 7–77 months).

Conclusions

Transthoracic decompression combined with reconstruction, fusion, and fixation is an effective method for the treatment of these lesions and is associated with a low rate of complications, morbidity, and neurological impairment.     

应用Moss Miami系统前路固定治疗胸腰椎骨折

目的探讨MossM iam i系统前路固定治疗胸腰椎骨折的效果。方法16例胸腰椎骨折患者采用MossM iam i系统前路固定,椎管前方减压后植入自体骨。结果术后随访9个月~3年。所有病例均达到骨性愈合,无断钉、断棒、内固定松动等情况。12例神经损伤患者中,术后有11例Frankel分级得到改善,平均提高了1.42级。结论采用MossM iam i系统前路固定,椎管前方减压后植骨治疗胸腰椎骨折可获得满意的疗效。MossM iam i系统前路固定可以为脊柱提供良好的稳定性。     

Calcified giant thoracic disc herniations: considerations and treatment strategies

Introduction

Giant herniated thoracic discs (GHTD) remain a surgical challenge. When combined with calcification, these discs require altered surgical strategies and have only been infrequently described. Our objective was to describe our surgical approaches in the management of calcified GHTD.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients with calcified GHTD operated between 2004 and 2012. Data were collected from review of patients’ notes and radiographs and included basic demographic and radiological data, clinical presentation and outcome, operative procedure and complications.

Results

During the study period, there were 13 patients with calcified GHTD, including 6 males and 7 females (mean age 55 years, range 31–83 years). The average canal encroachment was 62 % (range 40–90 %); mean follow-up 37 months (12–98). All patients were treated with anterior thoracotomy, varying degrees of vertebral resection, removal of calcified disc and with or without reconstruction. The average time for surgery was 344 min (range 212–601 min) and estimated blood loss 1,230 ml (range 350–3,000 ml). Post-operatively, 8 patients improved by 1 Frankel grade (62 %), 2 improved by 2 grades (15 %) and 3 did not change their grade (23 %). The complication rate was 4/13 (31 %; 3 patients with durotomies (2 incidental, 1 intentional) and 1 with recurrence).

Discussion

Calcified GHTD remain a surgical challenge. Anterior decompression through a thoracotomy approach, and varying degrees of vertebral resection with or without reconstruction allowed us to safely remove the calcified fragment. All patients remained the same (23 %) or improved by at least 1 grade (77 %) neurologically, without radiographic failure at final follow-up.

     

Anterior decompression and fusion for multiple thoracic disc herniation

Multiple thoracic disc herniations are rare and there are few reports in the literature. Between December 1998 and July 2002, we operated on 12 patients with multiple thoracic disc herniations. All underwent an anterior decompression and fusion through a transthoracic approach. The clinical outcomes were assessed using the Frankel neurological classification and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. Under the Frankel classification, two patients improved by two grades (C to E), one patient improved by one grade (C to D), while nine patients who had been classified as grade D did not change. The JOA scores improved significantly after surgery with a mean recovery rate of 44.8% +/- 24.5%. Overall, clinical outcomes were excellent in two patients, good in two, fair in six and unchanged in two. Our results indicate that anterior decompression and fusion for multiple thoracic disc herniations through a transthoracic approach can provide satisfactory results.     

后路椎管减压融合内固定术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸疗效与评价

[目的]用VAS、JOA和SRS - 22评分评价退变性腰椎侧凸后路椎管减压融合内固定术的临床疗效.[方法]回顾分析2002年7月～ 2007年1月后路椎管减压内固定术治疗的32例Cobb角均＜25°的退变性腰椎侧凸患者.术前术后和随访时均行VAS、JOA评分描述患者症状并分析患者影像学检查结果.术后随访时对患者行SRS - 22国际标准量表评分主观评价患者情况,采用SPSS 10.0统计分析软件对数据进行统计分析.[结果]全部32例患者术前Cobb角和腰椎前凸角在术后均得到了一定程度的改善;术前与术后JOA和VAS评分指标均存在显著性差异;SRS-22评分结果尚可接受.[结论]在充分减压的前提下,后路椎管减压融合内固定术对轻度退变性腰椎侧凸可达到满意的临床疗效.VAS、JOA和SRS - 22评分作为脊柱外科普遍采用的痛觉评分标准,用于评价退变性腰椎侧凸患者的主观症状,可操作性强,易于被患者接受,有一定的可行性和实用性.     

中上胸椎骨折脱位的临床特点及手术治疗

目的探讨中上胸椎骨折脱位的临床特点及后路手术治疗。方法中上胸椎骨折脱位15例(骨折累及前方椎体共28个),均伴有不同程度脱位。AO分型:B型10例,C型5例。完全性瘫痪7例,不完全性瘫痪8例。手术均采用后路复位植骨内固定,固定节段为5~10节,根据脊髓受压情况进行后路椎管内减压。结果经X线复查,有1例复位欠佳,经6~24个月的随访,内固定无松动断裂,后路植骨已融合。FrankelA级7例中有2例恢复至B级,1例恢复至C级,FrankelB~D级8例中都有1~2级的恢复。结论中上胸椎骨折脱位的临床特点骨折累及节段多,脱位发生率高,脊髓损伤严重。对于此类患者后路减压、复位、植骨内固定术可以取得较好的效果。     

Efficacy of surgical decompression in the setting of complete thoracic spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: An assessment of neurological improvement after surgical intervention in the setting of traumatic thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of a nonconsecutive cohort of patients with a thoracic SCI from T2 to T11. The analysis included a total of 12 eligible patients. The neurologic and functional outcomes were recorded from the acute hospital admission to the most recent follow-up. Data included patient age, level of injury, neurologic examination according to the Frankel grading system, the performance of surgery, and the mechanism of the time-related SCI decompression. RESULTS: All patients had a complete thoracic SCI. The median interval from injury to surgery was 11 days (range, 1-36 days). Decompression, bone fusion, and instrumentation were the most common surgical procedures performed. The median length of follow-up was 18 months after surgery (range, 9-132 months). Motor functional improvement was seen in 1 patient (Frankel A to C). CONCLUSION: Surgical decompression and fusion imparts no apparent benefit in terms of neurologic improvement (spinal cord) in the setting of a complete traumatic thoracic SCI. To better define the role of surgical decompression and stabilization in the setting of a complete SCI, randomized, controlled, prospective studies are necessary.     

同种异体骨在脊髓型颈椎病椎体次全切除减压融合术中的应用

目的 评价同种异体骨联合前路钢板在脊髓型颈椎病椎体次全切除减压融合术中的应用效果。方法 对35例颈脊髓病患者行颈前路椎体次全切,同种异体骨植入联合前路钢板内固定并分析其结果。术前JOA评分4—15分,平均8．7分。结果 本组35例患者,次全切除椎体69个,其中单椎体次全切7例,双椎体22例,三椎体6例,完成减压104个间隙,无手术并发症。随访时间11—37个月,平均17．4个月。术后植骨稳定,未发现钢板、螺钉松动、断裂等现象,植骨融合率100％;融合时间约6—15个月,平均9．3个月;术后JOA评分7—17分,平均14．8分,改善率为73．5％,优良率为82．8％。结论 在颈脊髓病椎体次全切减压术中,使用同种异体骨结合颈前路钢板进行融合和固定可以简化手术步骤、减少创伤,且融合可靠。     

Circumspinal decompression and fusion through a posterior midline incision to treat central calcified thoracolumbar disc herniation: a minimal 2-year follow-up study with reconstruction CT

Purpose

There have been several surgical approaches used in the treatment of thoracolumbar disc herniation (TLDH) from T10/11 to L1/2. However, central calcified TLDH cases are still challenging to spine surgeons. The anterior transthoracic approaches and lateral/posterolateral approaches are all essentially performed from one side; thus, the compressive lesion and the dura matter on the other side of the spinal canal are not clearly visualized, predisposing the procedure to incomplete decompression or inadvertent cord manipulation. Moreover, a number of these approaches are technically demanding and require entry into the chest. The purpose of this study was to introduce a new surgical procedure—circumspinal decompression and fusion through a posterior midline incision—for the treatment of central calcified TLDH and to evaluate its surgical outcome.

Methods

In this study, 22 patients (15 males and 7 females; mean age 49 years) with central calcified TLDH underwent this procedure between April 2008 and April 2011. Altogether, 26 discs were excised, with two discs at T10/11, eight discs at T11/12, nine discs at T12/L1 and seven discs at L1/2. Of these patients, 16 returned for final follow-up, with a mean follow-up period of 41 months (range 24–57 months). Clinical outcomes, including operative time, blood loss, perioperative complications, post-operative time of hospitalization, neurological status improvement, extent of decompression, back pain, local spinal curvature and fusion, were investigated. The patients’ neurological status was evaluated by a modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scoring system of 11 points. Fusion and the extent of decompression were evaluated by reconstruction CT at final follow-up.

Results

The mean operative time was 185 min, the mean blood loss was 896 ml and the mean post-operative hospitalization time was 8 days. Four patients suffered perioperative complications, but only two were related to dura violation and none involved the respiratory system. All of the 16 patients who returned for the final follow-up showed improvement, and evidence of improvement was found in five of the other six patients who did not return for final follow-up through telephone interview or earlier follow-up evaluations. Complete decompression was achieved in 12 of the 16 patients who returned for final follow-up. In the 16 patients who returned for final follow-up, back pain was significantly reduced and local spinal curvature remained unaltered. In addition, based on reconstruction CT images, solid fusion was observed in 15 of the 16 patients who returned for final follow-up.

Conclusions

The circumspinal decompression and fusion through a posterior midline incision procedure can be used to treat central calcified TLDH patients with neurological deficits. This method’s greatest advantage is that it is a highly effective and safe procedure for decompression. Although it is a major and destructive procedure, spinal stability was well maintained in most of the cases. In this era when minimally invasive spine surgeries like thoracoscopy have been in an upward trajectory, spine surgeons still should be made aware of this procedure.     

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.