Posterior-only stabilization versus global reconstruction in thoracic and thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis; a prospective randomized study.

purposeAlthough the guidelines for surgical indications in spinal tuberculosis (TB) are well-established, ambiguity still exists in deciding between posterior-only stabilization and global reconstruction in thoracic and thoracolumbar (TL) disease especially in patients with borderline vertebral destruction. The current prospective, randomized study was thus planned to compare safety and efficacy of these two surgical interventions.

methodsPatients, aged between 18 and 65 years, with spinal TB involving thoracic and TL spine with pre-operative vertebral body loss (VBL) between 0.5 and 1 were randomly allocated into two groups [groups A (who underwent posterior-only stabilization) and B (global reconstruction through a single-stage all-posterior approach). Patient's demographic data, clinical, intra-operative and post-operative details were recorded. Minimum follow-up period was two years. Neurological assessment was performed using ASIA impairment scale. Functional outcome measurements included VAS and ODI scores (pre-operative and final follow-up). Radiological measurements included Cobb's angle, kyphosis correction, loss of correction, angle loss rate and fusion time.

resultsFifty-eight patients (groups A and B = 29 each) were included. Mean age in groups A and B was 48.3 ± 16.5 years and 51.2 ± 11.7 years. Mean surgical duration was significantly shorter in group A (119.9 ± 14.1 minutes; p = 0.0001). Mean follow-up duration was 35.5 ± 6.4 months. There was no statistically significant difference in neurological outcome at final follow-up between the groups (p > 0.05). Group A demonstrated significantly better ODI at final follow-up (13.8 ± 2.9 vs 16.2 ± 4.1; p = 0.02). Immediate post-operative correction (6.8° ± 5.6) and maintenance of kyphosis correction at final follow-up [loss of correction (2.1° ± 1.7) and angle loss rate (16.3 ± 14.9%)] were marginally better in group B (p > 0.05). Mean fusion time in groups A and B was 7.8 ± 1.5 and 8.4 ± 1.6 months (p > 0.05). A sub-group analysis in group B between autograft and metallic cages for anterior reconstruction did not show significant difference in radiological outcome (p > 0.05).

conclusionAll-posterior surgeries (posterior-only stabilization or global reconstruction) represent an effective approach in the management of TB disease affecting thoracic and TL vertebrae. For a pre-operative VBL between 0.5 and 1, clinical (including neurological), functional and radiological outcomes following both these surgeries (posterior-only stabilization and global reconstruction) are comparable.