Wiltse transforaminal thoracic interbody fusion approach for the treatment of single‑segment thoracic spinal tuberculosis in elderly patients with osteoporosis: A retrospective study of 20 cases
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- Published online on: February 13, 2023 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2023.11834
- Article Number: 135
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Copyright: © Zeng et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.
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Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical feasibility and efficacy of the Wiltse approach and TTIF in elderly patients with single‑segment thoracic tuberculosis (SSTTB) complicated with osteoporosis and neurological dysfunction. Between January 2017 and January 2019, 20 elderly patients underwent the Wiltse TTIF approach at a single hospital. The follow‑up time of these patients was 37.15±7.37 months (range, 24‑48 months). The preoperative kyphosis angle was 35.41±6.71˚. The degree of neurological deficit in each patient was assessed using the Frankel spinal cord injury classification. In addition, TB activity was monitored using erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‑reactive protein levels, and the degree of osteoporosis was evaluated using femoral neck bone mineral density T‑scores. The 20 patients with SSTTB were completely cured without recurrence. The postoperative kyphotic angle was 8.80±0.79˚, without significant loss of correction at the final follow‑up. Bone graft fusion was observed within 6‑9 months, with all patients reporting relief of their back pain. The neurological condition of all the patients improved postoperatively. The present study indicates that Wiltse TTIF surgery combined with anti‑TB chemotherapy has satisfactory efficacy in elderly patients with SSTTB complicated by osteoporosis and neurological impairment.
