Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Grafts slip, fracture, absorbed or intruded into the spinal canal is easy to appear during the treatment of spinal tuberculosis. The shape of titanium mesh cage is high intension tubbiness, and the zigzag edge contacts with the vertebra. This shape can prevent materials slippage observably.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical value of combined application of titanium mesh cage and allogenic bone for treating thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis.

METHODS: The 23 cases of thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis including 12 males and 11 females, aged 13-55 years, were retrospectively analyzed. Operative methods, including one-stage anterior radical debridement, anterior and/or posterior fixation and allogenic bone fusion with titanium mesh cages, were used. Postoperative incision concrescence, recovery of tuberculosis symptoms and neurologic function, bone fusion and the recurrence of spinal tuberculosis were observed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All patients were visited regularly after operation for 1-3 years. The incision became healed for the first stage. The tuberculosis symptoms were significantly improved or disappeared. No titanium mesh allogenic bone fusion or fixation failure, no spinal kyphosis wasobserved. After operation, all patients got exercises out of bed by wearing orthosis 6-12 weeks later and did normal work 6 months later. It can be verified that the one-stage anterior radical debridement, reconstruction with titanium mesh cages and allogenic bone combined segmental fixation is an effective method in the treatment of thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis. It allows spine to obtain immediate and long-dated stability, correct kyphosis and promotes bone grafting fusion.