Posterior Approach Alone Versus Combined Anterior and Posterior Approach in the Management of Vertebral Tuberculosis

Özet

AIM: To compare posterior surgery alone versus combined anterior and posterior surgery for the management of spinal tuberculosis.MATERIAL and METHODS: Data from 31 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for spinal tuberculosis were analyzedretrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups as group A (posterior surgery alone) or group B (combined anterior andposterior surgery), and groups were compared in terms of invasiveness of the procedure, spinal deformity, fusion, neurologicalstatus, and postoperative complications.RESULTS: Group A included 16 patients (mean age: 56 years, range: 29–75) with a mean follow-up period of 29 months (range12–60) while group B included 15 patients (mean age: 60 years, range: 35–73) with a mean follow-up period of 28 months (range12–60). Procedurally, average operation time and mean length of hospitalization were shorter, and mean blood loss was lower ingroup A (p 0.05).CONCLUSION: Combined anterior-posterior surgery may not be required for treating vertebral tuberculosis as posterior surgeryalone appears to be sufficient.