Anterior spinal decompression and bone grafting in densely paraplegics due to tuberculosis

ABSTRACT

Spinal tuberculosis is a common problem in neurosurgery practice and is endemic in the third world countries like Pakistan. Present study was therefore designed to assess the results of anterior spinal decompression and bone grafting in densely paraplegic patients due to tuberculosis. This prospective observational study was conducted in Department of Neurosurgery, Government Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from April 2003 - May 2007. Thirty-six paraplegic patients with spinal tuberculosis were admitted and operated. Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients like name, age, sex and duration were documented. All necessary investigations like x-ray, CT scan, MRI and histopathology along with biochemical and haematological studies for diagnostic purpose were documented. Clinical criteria, operative findings, procedures and postoperative outcome of these patients were also assessed. Thirty-six cases with paraplegia due to spinal tuberculosis were operated. Excellent results [where patients were well without neurologic deficit] were achieved within 2 months in 27[75%] patients, while good [where neurologic deficits were still impaired] results were seen in 9[25%] cases within a 6 months duration. Anterior spinal decompression and fusion with bone graft has excellent results in paraplegic patients due to tuberculosis