Clinical effect of posterior-only approach debridement, intervertebral fusion, and internal fixation for upper thoracic tuberculosis
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the posterior-only approach for debridement, interbody fusion, and internal fixation in treating upper thoracic tuberculosis. Methods: This study retrospectively analysed the clinical and radiographic data of 8 patients...
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          | Main Authors: | , , , , , | 
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| Format: | Article | 
| Language: | English | 
| Published: | 
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        2024-05-01
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| Series: | Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica | 
| Online Access: | https://www.aott.org.tr/en/clinical-effect-of-posterior-only-approach-debridement-intervertebral-fusion-and-internal-fixation-for-upper-thoracic-tuberculosis-137412 | 
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| Summary: | Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the posterior-only approach for debridement, interbody fusion, and internal fixation in treating upper thoracic tuberculosis.
Methods: This study retrospectively analysed the clinical and radiographic data of 8 patients diagnosed with upper thoracic tuberculosis. All patients underwent posterior approach debridement, interbody fusion, and internal fixation. We conducted pre- and postoperative assessments of the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), ASIA score, and kyphotic Cobb angle.
Results: Back pain and lower limb weakness were the most common presenting symptoms. The mean duration of surgery, amount of blood loss, and volume of postoperative drainage were 262.5 ± 43.3 min, 625.0 ± 333.8 mL, and 285.0 ± 118.1 mL, respectively. Patients were followed up for 36 to 48 months. Three months after surgery, there was a significant improvement in VAS and ODI scores, which further improved until the final follow-up. A statistically significant difference was observed between the preoperative and postoperative periods (P < .05). At the final follow-up, lower extremity function had fully returned to normal in all 5 paralyzed patients. The ESR and CRP returned to normal, 18.1 ± 7.3 mm/h and 9.95 ± 5.41 mg/L, respectively, within 3 months postoperatively. There were statistical differences between the preoperative and postoperative periods (P < .05). The average kyphotic correction rate was (71.5 ± 7.3)%, and the average loss of correction angle was (3.5 ± 1.4)°. Intervertebral bone fusion was achieved by all patients within 15 months (mean 8.3 ± 3.2 months) postoperatively.
Conclusion: The posterior-only approach seems an effective, safe, and reliable treatment method for upper thoracic tuberculosis, with favourable clinical and radiological outcomes.
Level of Evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic study | 
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| ISSN: | 1017-995X |