Costo-transversectomy for tuberculous spondylitis

Thirteen cases of tuberculosis of the dorsal spine with paravertebral abscess and weakness of both lower limbs were treated between July 1993 to July 1995. Eight cases were male [62%] and five female [38%]. Age ranged from 11 years to 65 years. Costotransversectomy was selected as the spinal decompression procedure. Ninety two percent of the patients improved and were able to walk within three to nine months of surgery