Fusion with titanium mesh cage and internal fixation with double pedicle crew system to treat lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis by anterolateral approach in one stage / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore a surgical method for the treatment of lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis by combination of one-stage focus debridement with anterolateral incision, bone graft fusion with titanium mesh cage and internal fixation with double pedicle crew system.Methods From Sep.2009 to Dec.2012, a total of 8 patients with lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis which included 5 cases of male, 3 cases of female.The age ranged from 20 to 65 years, with a mean of 51.6 years.All patients presented with persistent back pain, 4 patients with radiating pain of unilateral lower limb, 3 with weakness and numbness and 5 with constitutional symptoms including low-grade fever and weight loss.All patients were not associated with active tuberculosis in oth er parts of the body.The patients were given regular anti-TB treatment for at least 4 weeks.By anterolateral incision, common iliac and iliac arteries and veins were dissociated extraperitoneally.The focus was completely debrided through the inferior part of vessels.Then the bone graft fusion was performed with the titanium mesh cage and the internal fixation with a double pedicle crew system was accomplished.After the surgery, patients were treated with continuous anti-TB drugs and with antibiotics to prevent infection.Patients were allowed to move with the protection of waist early and regular follow-up.Results Operation time was 180-360 min, with an average of 225 min.Operative blood loss was 624 ml and drainage volume was 150 ml on average.All cases were cured after surgery.No severe complications were observed during the surgeries.After follow-up of 8 to 30 months (averaged 12months), no recurrence of the tuberculosis was found.The lumbocrural pain improved in all the patients.Complications such as migration, loosening and breaking of the implants were not observed.The vertebral bodies were fused in all patients with an average time of 8.3 months.No case occurred angiemphraxis or internal bleeding.Conclusion The method debrids the focus of lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis thoroughly and implements titanium mesh cage and double pedicle crew system simultaneously.The pedicle screw system is implemented in anterior lumbosacral vertebrae through the inferior part of iliac arteries and veins, which will not lead to angiemphraxis or vascular injuries.The early term outcome is encouraging.This technique is safe and effective to treat severe lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis.