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) compared to group B. Postoperative bone fusion took significantly (p < 0.05) longer time in group A (10.5 ± 2.1 months)than in group B (9.3 ± 3.1 months), and all patients with a neurological deficit recovered completely during the postoperative period. No significant differences were observed between two groups with respect to postoperative complications (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Combined anterior-posterior surgery may not be required for treating vertebral tuberculosis as posterior surgery alone appears to be sufficient.