The efficacy of single posterior debridement, bone grafting, and instrumentation for the treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of single posterior debridement, bone grafting, and instrumentation for the treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis of adult patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 88 adult patients with thoracic spinal tuberculosis between June 2013 and September 2017. All patients were treated with single posterior debridement, bone grafting and instrumentation. The clinical manifestations and laboratory and imaging results of the approach were subsequently analysed. Results: All patients were followed up for 40.6 ± 4.1 m (range, 36–48 m). Bony fusion was achieved in all bone grafts. The VAS scores, ESR, and CRP levels 6 weeks after operation and at the final follow-up were significantly lower than the preoperative levels (P<0.05). The postoperative and final-follow-up kyphosis angles were both significantly smaller than the pre-operative kyphosis angles (P<0.05). The postoperative angle correction rate reached 81.5%, and the postoperative angle loss only reached 4.1%. At the last follow-up, ASIA improvement was significant compared with the preoperative levels (P<0.05). Conclusion: The single posterior approach can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes in the treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis.