Clinical effect of posterior-only approach debridement, intervertebral fusion, and internal fixation for upper thoracic tuberculosis

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the posterior-only approach for debridement, interbody fusion, and internal fixation in treating upper thoracic tuberculosis.

Methods: This study retrospectively analysed the clinical and radiographic data of 8 patients diagnosed with upper thoracic tuberculosis. All patients underwent posterior approach debridement, interbody fusion, and internal fixation. We conducted pre- and postoperative assessments of the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), ASIA score, and kyphotic Cobb angle.

Results: Back pain and lower limb weakness were the most common presenting symptoms. The mean duration of surgery, amount of blood loss, and volume of postoperative drainage were 262.5 ± 43.3 min, 625.0 ± 333.8 mL, and 285.0 ± 118.1 mL, respectively. Patients were followed up for 36 to 48 months. Three months after surgery, there was a significant improvement in VAS and ODI scores, which further improved until the final follow-up. A statistically significant difference was observed between the preoperative and postoperative periods (P < .05). At the final follow-up, lower extremity function had fully returned to normal in all 5 paralyzed patients. The ESR and CRP returned to normal, 18.1 ± 7.3 mm/h and 9.95 ± 5.41 mg/L, respectively, within 3 months postoperatively. There were statistical differences between the preoperative and postoperative periods (P < .05). The average kyphotic correction rate was (71.5 ± 7.3)%, and the average loss of correction angle was (3.5 ± 1.4)°. Intervertebral bone fusion was achieved by all patients within 15 months (mean 8.3 ± 3.2 months) postoperatively.

Conclusion: The posterior-only approach seems an effective, safe, and reliable treatment method for upper thoracic tuberculosis, with favourable clinical and radiological outcomes.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic study

Cite this article as: Zhang T, Li S, Ma L, Liu H, Yang C, Zhang L. Clinical effect of posterior-only approach debridement, intervertebral fusion, and internal fixation for upper thoracic tuberculosis. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc., 2024;58(4):203-208.