A Follow-Up Study of Anterior Spinal Fusion for Tuberculous Spondylitis Operated in These Ten Years

Abstract

Since 1963 seventy-one cases of tuberculous spondylitis were operated by radical removal of the diseased area, in which except 3 cases anterior spinal fusions were applied. Average age of the patients was 43 years (3-75). The local incidence were as follows; one in cervical, 18 in thoracic, 9 in dorsolumbar, 37 lumbar, and 6 in lumbosacral. Two patients died; one after 8 days by kidney and circulatory complication, and another after 14 days by hypoproteinaemia and general emaciation.
Excellent or good results were obtained in all other cases. Recovery of Pott paraplegia was excellent. Average duration of bed rest after surgery was 4 months. No relaps has been produced.