RESUMO
Objective To discuss perioperative features, operative approach and surgical effects of spinal tuberculosis in older patients. Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 45 patients with spinal tuberculosis ranging in age from 61 to 78 years (average, 67 years). The lesion was located in thoracic vertebrae in 9 patients, thoracolumbar vertebrae in 14, lumbar in 16, and lumbosacral in 6. Preoperative Frankel grades were B in 7 cases, C in 21, D in 11 and E in 6. Among them, 21 had cardio-cerebrovascular disease, 10 had diabetes mellitus. With preoperative medicine and chemotherapy for 2-3 weeks, all patients were treated surgically. The surgical procedures included: 1) Posterior focus debridement, bone grafting and one-stage posterior transpedicular screw system fixation in thoracic vertebrae (T2-T7). 2) Anterior debridement, bone grafting and one-stage posterior transpedicular instrumental fixation in lumbosacral vertebrae (L5-S1). 3) Anterior focus elimination, bone grafting and one-stage anterior plate fixation in the other vertebrae. Results Forty-five patients were followed up for 24 to 40 months, with the average of 28.5 months. No severe complication occurred during and after operation. Forty-four cases had recovered and 1 recurred. Spinal fusion occurred 12-18 months after operation. Frankel neurological grades improved significantly. Conclusion With the effective management of comorbidities in perioperative period,the elderly could tolerate surgical treatment. The appropriate approaches, thorough debridement and reasonable bone grafting with internal fixation are key to therapeutic success.