A new classification of spinal tuberculosis:based on MRI findings (Southern Medical University classification) / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To outline the classification of spinal tuberculosis based on MRI findings (Southern Medical University classification,SMU classification) and explore its use in the diagnosis,surgical protocols.Methods The MRI data from 230 cases with spinal tuberculosis were analyzed retrospectively.Our classification system was based on clinical and radiological criteria (abscess formation,disc degeneration,vertebral collapse,kyphosis,sagittal index,instability and neurological problems).The surgical strategies were made according with this classification.Results Two hundred and thirty cases with spinal tuberculosis were classified into the 5 types.There were signal change type (type Ⅰ) in 28 cases,abscess formation type (type Ⅱ) in 39,vertebral collapse type (type Ⅲ) in 78,canal compression type (type Ⅳ) in 46 and kyphosis type (type Ⅴ) in 39 respectively.In type I lesion,25 patients had been followed up.Twenty patients were treated medically.Recurrence of tuberculosis was found in 2 cases.Surgical meticulous debridements were done in 5 cases without recurrence.In type Ⅱa lesion,6 patients were treated medically.The other 6 patients underwent surgical meticulous debridement with recurrence occurred in one patient.There was no difference between medical and surgical treatment regarding outcomes in patients with type Ⅰ and Ⅱa lesion.In type Ⅱb-Ⅴ,surgical treatments were carried out according to the pathological changes.There was no difference between medical and surgical treatment regarding outcomes in the patients with type Ⅱb-Ⅴ.Conclusion The SMU classification helps in differentiating the various manifestations of spinal tuberculosis and appears to correlate with the surgical treatment of spinal tuberculosis.We believe that this new classification system can be used as a practical guide in the treatment of spinal tuberculosis.