ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relation between erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) and postoperative recurrence of spinal tuberculosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty cases (36 males and 44 female,ranging from 20 to 71 years with an average of 38.2 years)of spinal tuberculosis treated with focus debridement were divided into two groups according to the preoperative value of ESR: Group A (ESR > or = 40 mm/h) and Group B (ESR < 40 mm/h). Patients in two groups were treated by the same method. The postoperative recurrences in two groups were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients were followed up. The recurred cases were 5 in Group A and 4 in Group B. There is no significant difference between two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ESR is not the key factor to choose the right operative time to perform debridement.</p>