Anterior vascularized rib strut graft in the treatment of Pott's disease in the young child.

Two young children suffering from acute thoracic kyphosis due to vertebral tuberculosis (Pott's disease) are described. One patient presented with recent onset spastic paraplegia due to cord compression. Anterior decompression and stabilization with a vascularized rib strut graft was performed in both patients. The neurological recovery in the compromised patient was remarkable; spinal stability was achieved in both patients, thus avoiding the necessity for a posterior spinal fusion.