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.