Posterior Approach Alone Versus Combined Anterior and Posterior Approach in the Management of Vertebral Tuberculosis

Aim To compare posterior surgery alone versus combined anterior and posterior surgery for the management of spinal tuberculosis. Material and methods Data from 31 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for spinal tuberculosis were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups as group A (posterior surgery alone) or group B (combined anterior and posterior surgery), and groups were compared in terms of invasiveness of the procedure, spinal deformity, fusion, neurological status, and postoperative complications. Results Group A included 16 patients (mean age: 56 years, range: 29-75) with a mean follow-up period of 29 months (range 12-60) while group B included 15 patients (mean age: 60 years, range: 35-73) with a mean follow-up period of 28 months (range 12-60). Procedurally, average operation time and mean length of hospitalization were shorter, and mean blood loss was lower in group A (p 0.05). Conclusion Combined anterior-posterior surgery may not be required for treating vertebral tuberculosis as posterior surgery alone appears to be sufficient.