Application of transforaminal-lumbar interbody fusion technology combined with lesion clearance and chemotherapy via catheter for the treatment of spinal tuberculosis.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of active thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis (TB) treated by application of transforaminal-lumbar interbody fusion technology combined with lesion clearance and chemotherapy via catheter (TCLC). Posterior debridement and indwelling catheterization in the lesion area were performed for direct injection of anti-TB drugs, so as to reduce the recurrence rate. The present prospective study comprised 26 patients with active thoracolumbar spinal TB who underwent TCLC at Hong Hui Hospital affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University (Xi'an, China). The kyphotic Cobb angle at presentation, after surgery and at the final follow-up were 22.7±9.8, 9.8±7.3 and 10.3±8.8°, respectively, with an average correction of 13.1±5.4° after surgery, and a loss of correction of 1.8±1.0° at the final follow-up. The rate of correction and loss of correction were 56.6 and 8.3%, respectively. At six months after the surgery, all abnormal erythrocyte sedimentation rates and C-reactive protein levels had returned to normal. The average time to union was ~5 months. All patients had bony union and improved neurological function, with their daily activity returning to normal. In conclusion, in the present study, application of TCLC for the treatment of spinal TB achieved satisfactory healing of lesions. The surgical treatment for spinal TB comprised the removal of the disease as far as possible, and the local administration of anti-TB chemotherapy to the lesion is key to successful treatment.

Bone Grafting of Atlantoaxial Joints and Occipitocervical or Atlantoaxial Fusion for the Reduction and Fixation of Basilar Invagination with Atlantoaxial Dislocation by a Posterior Approach: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: Basilar invagination (BI) with atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) is a complex disease to manage. We have developed a new technique of bone grafting the atlantoaxial joints and occipitocervical fusion using a posterior approach for the reduction and fixation of BI with AAD with complete retention of the C2 nerve root. METHODS: Thirty-two patients underwent bone grafting of the atlantoaxial joints and occipitocervical fusion for the reduction and fixation of BI with AAD by the posterior approach in our department between January 2015 and February 2016. All patients underwent plain radiography, computed tomography (CT) scanning, and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation. The atlantodens interval and cervicomedullary angle were evaluated preoperatively and 5 days after surgery on sagittal reconstructed CT scans to evaluate BI with AAD. CT scans of sagittal reconstruction were acquired at each follow-up until bone fusion was confirmed. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 6-19 months. No patient required re-exploration for failure of implant fixation. At the last follow-up, all patients had achieved fusion (32/32). Japanese Orthopedic Association score, atlantodens interval, and cervicomedullary angle were significantly improved in these patients compared with preoperative measurements (P < 0.05). The duration of symptoms ranged from 5 days to 11 months (mean duration, 2 months). No serious complication was observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, our operation technique could treat BI with AAD by using only a posterior approach, which could retain C2 nerve roots and fuse atlantoaxial joints. This technique may be extended to other diseases requiring treatment by C1-C2 fusion.