Clinical efficacy of single-stage posterior radical debridement, bone grafting and internal fixation in lumbar spinal tuberculosis with kyphotic deformity

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to validate the efficacy and safety of single-stage posterior debridement bone grafting for treatment of lumbar spinal tuberculosis with kyphotic deformity (LSTKD). Methods: From June 2010 to June 2013, 48 patients were enrolled in this study. Total 27 and 21 patients underwent single-stage posterior and anterior instrumentation and fusion respectively, combined with radical debridement and bone grafting. Clinical and radiographic results were analyzed. Results: The post-operative and follow-up Cobb’s angle for LSTKD with posterior debridement were of statistically significantly differences (P < 0.05), compared with that with anterior debridement. Grades or scale of healing of focus and bone grafting with posterior debridement were better than that of anterior debridement. No recurrence of tuberculosis or instrumentation failure occurred. Conclusions: Single-stage posterior instrumentation debridement with fusion was demonstrated to be a more safe and effective method to achieve spinal decompression and kyphosis correction in patients of LSTKD, compared with anterior treatment.