[The effect of reconstructive bone surgery in tubercular spondylitis on the development of the spinal column in young children].

Long-term results of reconstructive osteoplastic operations on the vertebral column performed for tuberculous spondylitis in 116 children, aged from 1 year and 4 months to 6 years, are presented. All of them were practically cured, thus having a complete recovery of their vertebral column supporting function; in 65.5% of these patients, there was a reduction of a cyphotic deformity with age; 18.7% of the operated persons, including merely 13% of the disabled in their childhood, had resumed their work and 23% of the patients were taken off the dispensary record upon their recovery. Osteoplastic reconstructions for tuberculous spondylitis performed in early childhood failed to affect a future growth of the vertebral column. Besides, they ensure a complete recovery of a child and should have the lead in the whole system of the up-to-date management of spondylitis in children.