LATERAL EXTRACAVITARY APPROACH FOR DECOMPRESSION AND FIXATION FOR THORACIC SPINE TUBERCULOSIS

Background: Spine tuberculosis commonly affects thoracic region is decompression, stability and deformity correct . Surgical aim ion. Anterior approach allows direct access to the pathology. However, anterior fixation reduces the biomechanical stability of the spine, with less kyphosis correction and loss of correction at the end of treatment. Combined anterior plus posterior procedures were associated with more morbidity. Lateral extracavitary approach surgery is a good alternative, as it leads to adequate decompression, lesser morbidity and good spinal stability. This case series indicates the success of single stage lateral extracavitary approach surgery for decompression and fixation in dorsal spine tuberculosis. Case Description: 4 cases of dorsal pott's spine were operated between December 2022 to August 2024. Operative indication was dorsal pott's with instability, severe pain or neurological deficits . All cases underwent single stage surgery LECA with decompression and fixation with continued anti tubercular medications. Cases observed for neurological recovery, improvement in pain and deformity prevention/correction. All patients tolerated the procedure well and showed significant reduction in pain, good neurological recovery and correction of kyphosis which was maintained on follow up. Conclusion: A single-stage surgery, LECA with fixation can be a good option for most patients with thoracic spine TB as it leads to adequate decompression, lesser morbidity, less complications, reduced hospitalization and good spinal stability.