One-Stage Posterior Vertebral Column Resection in the Treatment of Adolescent Thoracic and Lumbar Tuberculosis Complicated With Severe Kyphotic Deformity

BACKGROUND: Our study aims to investigate the clinical outcome of 1-stage posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) for adolescent thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis with severe kyphotic deformity (Cobb angle >= 60 degrees). METHODS: Between January 2008 and January 2016, we recorded 16 (9 male, 7 female) adolescent cases of thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis complicated with severe kyphotic deformity treated by 1-stage PVCR (average age: 15.38 +/- 1.54 years; range: 13-18 years). The Cobb angle of kyphosis was 64.56 degrees +/- 3.41 degrees. According to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification, all patients were classified preoperatively. The lesions involved T4-T11 in 10 cases and T12-L2 in 6 cases. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 19.06 +/- 11.42 months (range: 12-48 months). Based on ASIA classification, postoperative grades were significantly increased compared with preoperative grades (P < 0.05), The mean Cobb angle was significantly corrected to 20.25 degrees +/- 13.83 degrees at 1 week after surgery, when compared with preoperative Cobb angle (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in Cobb angle between 1-week after operation and the last follow-up (20.69 degrees +/- 13.83 degrees) (P > 0.05). All the patients achieved bony fusion at a mean time of 14 months (range: 10-20 months) postoperatively. No fixation loosening, displacement, or fracture was observed during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: One-stage PVCR is an effective surgical method for the treatment of adolescent thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis with severe kyphotic deformity, which can completely remove the lesion, effectively correct the kyphosis deformity, and prevent related complications.

Automated summary

Our study found that one-stage PVCR is an effective surgical method for treating adolescent thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis with severe kyphotic deformity, as it can completely remove the lesion, effectively correct the kyphosis deformity, and prevent related complications.