Surgical treatment for mono-segmental lumbar tuberculosis by single-stage posterior debridement, compact bone grafting and posterior single-segment fixation.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of single-stage posterior debridement, compact bone grafting and posterior single-segment fixation for the treatment of mono-segmental lumbar tuberculosis.We enrolled 32 patients with mono-segmental lumbar tuberculosis from January 2005 to April 2011. The severity of damage to the vertebral bodies is not more than 2/3 height. All the patients were treated by single-stage posterior debridement, compact bone grafting and posterior single-segment fixation.Patients were followed 21-63 months (43.5±9.5 months). The average Cobb angle decreased to 5.3±3.0° postoperatively from 22.1±6.1° preoperatively. Meanwhile, average 1.8±1.0° loss was observed at last visit. Fusion occurred at 3-9 months (mean 5.1 months). All patients with preoperative neurologic deficit recovered in different degree. 1 with grade B recovered to grade D; 2 with grade C recovered to grade E; 18 with grade D recovered to grade E. No mortality occurred. One patient experienced anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver dysfunction which was managed successfully with modified anti-TB treatment and hepato-protective treatment. The Oswestry Disability Index decreased from 40.1±4.0 preoperatively to 13.7±3.1 postoperatively.Single-stage posterior debridement, compact bone grafting and posterior single-segment fixation is an effective method for the treatment of mono-segmental lumbar tuberculosis.