Background:

Our study aims to investigate the clinical outcome of one-stage posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) for adolescent thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis with severe kyphotic deformity (Cobb angle≥60°).

Method:

Between January 2008 and January 2016, 16 adolescent cases of thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis complicated with severe kyphotic deformity treated by one-stage PVCR. nine were male and seven were female with an average age of 15.38 ± 1.54 years (range, 13-18 years). The Cobb angle of kyphosis was 64.56 ± 3.41°. According to the ASIA classification, all patients were classified preoperatively. The lesions involved T4-T11 in 10 cases and T12-L2 in 6 cases.

Result:

The mean follow-up time was 19.06±11.42 months (range 12-48 months). Based on ASIA classification, postoperative grades were significantly increased compared to preoperative grades (P < 0.05), The mean Cobb angle was significantly corrected to 20.25±13.83° at one week after surgery, when compared to preoperatively Cobb angle (P < 0.05). There is no significant difference between 1-week after operation and the last follow-up (20.69±13.83°) in Cobb angle (P > 0.05). All the patients achieved bony fusion at a mean time of 14 months (range 10-20 months) postoperatively. No fixation loosening, displacement, or fracture was observed during follow-up.

Conclusion:

One-stage PVCR is an effective surgical method for the treatment of adolescent thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis with severe kyphotic deformity, which can completely remove the lesion, effectively correct the kyphosis deformity, and prevent related complications.