Objectives: We explored the efficacy of minimal invasive surgery including one-stage debridement and intervertebral fusion through extreme lateral channel (XLIF) combined with lateral or percutaneous posterior pedicle screw fixation for the treatment of lumbar spine tuberculosis.
Methods: Twenty two patients with lumbar tuberculosis who underwent surgery with XLIF technique and internal fixation were included in the study. Their data about operative time, intraoperative blood loss, bone fusion, kyphosis correction, and clinical recovery were retrospectively collected and analyzed.
Results: The mean intraoperative blood loss was 249.8±27.8 ml and the operative time 347.5±20.7 min. At the final follow-up, 11 to 15 months postoperatively, ESR and CRP were normal and pain (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were significantly reduced (23.0±-3.1 vs 0.6±-0.7 and 57.2±-1.6 vs 6.4±-1.2 respectively) compared to preoperative values. Progression of the kyphotic deformity was effectively prevented (mean Cobb angle 23.9° +/-1.9° vs 24.5° +/-1.4°, P>0.05). There was one failure of the fixation associated to poor therapy adherence. All the patients showed neurological recovery.
Conclusion: Debridement and interbody fusion by extreme lateral channel combined with lateral or percutaneous posterior pedicle screw fixation effectively retained the spine stability and provided clinical and neurologic recovery in selected patients with lumbar spine tuberculosis.