Treatment of tuberculosis of the spine using persistent local chemotherapy and persistent local drainage

Objective:To investigate the results for treatment of spinal tuberculosis using persistent local chemotherapy and persistent local drainage.Method:Since Jun.1998to Jul.2002,23patients who suffered from spinal tuberculosis were treated.15patients received persistent local chemotherapy combined with persistent local drainage;5persistent local chemotherapy;3debridement,inner fixation and persistent local chemotherapy.After operation,it the acid-fast stain of smear and local tissue,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,radiology,and et al was observed.15of23cases accepted percutaneous persistent local chemotherapy,irrigation and drainage.5cases received percutaneous persistent local chemotherapy.3cases with sever spinal deformity received radical surgery,inner fixation and persistent local chemotherapy,and the irrigation and drainage lasted in an average of28±10days.Result:After1~3months,the erythrocyte sedimentation rate recovered to normal range.No sinus formation were found after8months to5years follow-up.The bone bridge of tuberculosis focus formed at2~6months and began to walk freely.After they freely moved,4cases showed some deformities.The angles were less than10-degree.Conclusion:The forepart and metaphase patients who suffered from abscess,sequestration,recurrence and sinus formation,and light nerve root compression received local chemotherapy need not radical surgery.These patients have less suffering,less spending and shorter time of general chemotherapy.After radical surgery treated for severe spine deformation and nerve compression,local chemotherapy could prevent them from recurrence.