Single-stage posterior debridement and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with autogenous bone grafting and posterior instrumentation in the surgical management of lumbar tuberculosis.

AIM: To describe a case series to highlight the clinical effectiveness of single-stage posterior debridement and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with autogenous bone grafting and posterior instrumentation in the surgical management of lumbar tuberculosis.

METHODS

This case series involves 14 lumbar tuberculosis patients treated with the above given surgical procedure. The following parameters have been evaluated: visual analog scale (VAS) score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein value, vertebral body loss, deformity angle, kyphotic angle, lumbar lordotic angle and fusion status of affected segment. The mean time of follow-up is 38.2 months (30-46).

RESULTS

Significant improvement was found in all radiologic parameters, and significant decrease in VAS and ESR were noted after surgery. Bony fusion was seen in all cases within a mean time of 4.3 months (range 3-7 months). No postoperative instrumental complication and recurrence were noted.

CONCLUSION

Single-stage posterior debridement and TLIF with autogenous bone grafting and posterior instrumentation is a safe and effective approach to treating with early-diagnosed and less-involved lumbar tuberculosis.