J Korean Orthop Assoc.  1967 Apr;2(2):13-17. 10.4055/jkoa.1967.2.2.13.

Anterior Fusion for the Tuberculosis of the Spine

• Chung WK
• Lee KS
• Kang SY
• Hahn MS
• Hahn DS

• KMID: 2464828
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.1967.2.2.13

Abstract

The antituberculous chemotheraphy and recently developed operative procedure have resulted in great prorgess in the treatment of the tuberculous spondylitis. Among 326 cases of tuberculosis of the spine who were admitted to our department since 1957, anterior spine fusion were done for 173 cases. We described here for 152 cases which had been followed up. Following has been observed from this study. 1) Average duration of admission was 3 weeks to 4 weeks. 2) Antituberculous chemotheraphy prior to operation was given only for 1 to 2 weeks. But it was quite enough to supress postoperative dissemination which occasionally met or considered in the past. 3) This major and dangerous operation must be performed in well facilitated hospital by the well trained and skillful surgeon because of relatively high percentage of complication (18.5%) including one case of death. 4) Direct approach and evacuation of the destroyed material and anterior interbody fusion appear to be the treatment of choice in most cases of the tuberculosis of the spine.