CHALLENGING DEGENERATIVE LUMBAR SCOLIOSIS WITH SEGMENTAL CORRECTIVE FUSION SURGERY

Changes in the curvature have not been reported in degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) when the correction surgery was performed. The purpose of our study was to clarify the influence of the correction surgery of DLS. Twenty-one patients underwent corrective lumbar reconstruction surgery (1998–2003) only at the neurologically affected levels. The spinal curvature was retrospectively evaluated in these 21 patients with DLS using Cobb's methods. The mean preoperative Cobb's angle was 17.7° while the mean postoperative Cobb's angle was 6.1° (p < 0.0001) at 1 month after the surgery and 9.0° at the final follow-up. The correction rate was 65.2% at 1 month after the surgery and 50.2% at the final follow-up. Cobb's angle increased by 2.9°/43.4 months (mean, 0.80°/year) in these procedure. The surgical goals of DLS are the relief of neurological disorders and the cessation of the deterioration of spinal alignment. Strategies for DLS may include complete decompression, or correction of the spinal alignment in elderly patients with poor bone quality. Decompression and correction in the PLIF procedure only at neurologically affected levels may be one of the surgical procedures to challenge DLS.

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The influence of approach side on facet preservation in microscopic bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach for degenerative lumbar scoliosis

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2010.5.spine091001 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 758-765 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Akira Matsumura ◽

Takashi Namikawa ◽

Hidetomi Terai ◽

Tadao Tsujio ◽

Akinobu Suzuki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Recovery Rate ◽

Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽

Spinal Instability ◽

Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Unilateral Approach ◽

Scale Scores ◽

The Mean

Object The authors compared the clinical outcomes of microscopic bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach (MBDU) for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) and for lumbar canal stenosis (LCS) without instability. The authors also compared postoperative spinal instability in terms of different approach sides (concave or convex) following the procedure. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed data obtained in 50 consecutive patients (25 in the DLS group and 25 in the LCS group) who underwent MBDU; the minimum follow-up period was 2 years. Patients with DLS were divided into 2 subgroups according to the surgical approach side: a concave group (23 segment) and a convex group (17 segments). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale scores for the assessment of low-back pain were evaluated before surgery and at final follow-up. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale scores and recovery rates were compared between the DLS and LCS groups, and between the convex and concave groups. Cobb angle and scoliotic wedging angle (SWA) were evaluated on standing radiographs before surgery and at final follow-up. Facet joint preservation (the percentage of preservation) was assessed on pre- and postoperative CT scans, compared between the LCS and DLS groups, and compared between the concave and convex groups. The influence of approach side on postoperative progression of segmental instability was also examined in the DLS group. Results The mean recovery rate was 58.7% in the DLS and 62.0% in the LCS group. The mean recovery rate was 58.6% in the convex group and 60.6% in the concave group. There were no significant differences in recovery rates between the LCS and DLS groups, or between the DLS subgroups. The mean Cobb angles in the DLS group were significantly increased from 12.7° preoperatively to 14.1° postoperatively (p < 0.05), and mean preoperative SWAs increased significantly from 6.2° at L3–4 and 4.1° at L4–5 preoperatively to 7.4° and 4.9°, respectively, at final follow-up (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in percentage of preservation between the DLS and LCS groups. The mean percentages of preservation on the approach side in the DLS group at L3–4 and L4–5 were 89.0% and 83.1% in the convex group, and those in the concave group were 67.3% and 77.6%, respectively. The percentage of preservation at L3–4 was significantly higher in the convex than the concave group. The mean SWA had increased in the concave group (p = 0.01) but not the convex group (p = 0.15) at final follow-up. Conclusions The MBDU can reduce postoperative segmental spinal instability and achieve good postoperative clinical outcomes in patients with DLS. The convex approach provides surgeons with good visibility and improves preservation of facet joints.

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Adult spinal deformity and its relationship with height loss: A 34-year longitudinal cohort study

10.21203/rs.2.21724/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mutsuya Shimizu ◽

Tetsuya Kobayashi ◽

Hisashi Chiba ◽

Issei Senoo ◽

Hiroshi Ito ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spinal Deformity ◽

Adult Spinal Deformity ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Height Loss ◽

Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Physical Change ◽

Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Pelvic Parameters ◽

The Mean

Abstract Background: Age-related height loss is a normal physical change that occurs in all individuals over 50 years of age. Although many epidemiological studies on height loss have been conducted worldwide, none have been long-term longitudinal epidemiological studies spanning over 30 years. This study was designed to investigate changes in adult spinal deformity and examine the relationship between adult spinal deformity and height loss.Methods: Fifty-three local healthy subjects (32 men, 21 women) from Furano, Hokkaido, Japan, volunteered for this longitudinal cohort study. Their heights were measured in 1983 and again in 2017. Spino-pelvic parameters were compared between measurements obtained in 1983 and 2017. Individuals with height loss were then divided into two groups, those with degenerative spondylosis and those with degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and different characteristics were compared between the two groups.Results: The mean age of the subjects was 44.4 (31-55) years at baseline and 78.6 (65-89) years at the final follow-up. The mean height was 157.4 cm at baseline and 153.6 cm at the final follow-up, with a mean height loss of 3.8 cm over 34.2 years. All parameters except for thoracic kyphosis were significantly different between measurements taken in 1983 and 2017 (p<0.05). Height loss in both sexes was related to changes in pelvic parameters including pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (R=0.460 p=0.008 in men, R=0.553 p=0.012 in women), pelvic tilt (R=0.374 p=0.035 in men, R=0.540 p=0.014 in women), and sagittal vertical axis (R=0.535 p=0.002 in men, R=0.527 p=0.017 in women). Greater height loss was more commonly seen in women (p=0.001) and in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (p=0.02).Conclusions: This longitudinal study revealed that height loss is more commonly observed in women and is associated with adult spinal deformity and degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Height loss is a normal physical change with aging, but excessive height loss is due to spinal kyphosis and scoliosis leading to spinal malalignment. Our findings suggest that height loss might be an early physical symptom for spinal malalignment.

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Adult spinal deformity and its relationship with height loss: A 34-year longitudinal cohort study

10.21203/rs.2.21724/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mutsuya Shimizu ◽

Tetsuya Kobayashi ◽

Hisashi Chiba ◽

Issei Senoo ◽

Hiroshi Ito ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spinal Deformity ◽

Adult Spinal Deformity ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Height Loss ◽

Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Physical Change ◽

Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Pelvic Parameters ◽

The Mean

Abstract Background Age-related height loss is a normal physical change that occurs in all individuals over 50 years of age. Many epidemiological studies were conducted on height loss worldwide, however, over the 30 years longitudinal epidemiological studies have not been conducted. This study was designed to investigate changes in adult spinal deformity and examine the relationship between adult spinal deformity and height loss. Methods Fifty-three local healthy subjects (32 men, 21 women) from Furano, Hokkaido, Japan, volunteered for this longitudinal cohort study. Their heights were measured in 1983 and again in 2017. Spino-pelvic parameters were compared between 1983 and 2017. Individuals with height loss were then divided into two groups, those with degenerative spondylosis and those with degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and different characteristics were compared between the two groups. Results The mean age of the subjects was 44.4 (31-55) years at baseline and 78.6 (65-89) years at the final follow-up. The mean height was 157.4 cm at baseline and 153.6 cm at the final follow-up, with a mean height loss of 3.8 cm over 34.2 years. All parameters except for thoracic kyphosis were significantly different between 1983 and 2017 (p<0.05). Height loss was related to changes in pelvic parameters including pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (R=0.553 p<0.0001), pelvic tilt (R=0.462 p<0.0001), and sagittal vertical axis (R=0.514 p<0.0001). Greater height loss was more commonly seen in women (p=0.001) and in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (p=0.02). Conclusions This longitudinal study revealed that height loss is more commonly observed in women and is associated with adult spinal deformity and degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Height loss is a normal physical change with aging, but excessive height loss is due to spinal kyphosis and scoliosis leading to spinal malalignment. Our findings suggest that height loss might be an early physical symptom for spinal malalignment.

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Decompression and nonfusion dynamic stabilization for spinal stenosis with degenerative lumbar scoliosis

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2014.6.spine13190 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 585-594 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Soo Eon Lee ◽

Tae-Ahn Jahng ◽

Hyun-Jib Kim

Keyword(s):

Spinal Stenosis ◽

Radiolucent Line ◽

Decompressive Surgery ◽

Neurological Deficits ◽

Spinal Diseases ◽

Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Moderate Degree ◽

Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

The Mean

Object Spinal stenosis with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) mostly occurs in the elderly population (typically > 65 years old), causing pain in the legs and back, claudication, and spinal deformity. The surgical strategy for DLS is controversial concerning the surgical approach, fusion area, decompression area, correction methods, and ideal angle of curve correction. A nonfusion stabilization system with motion preservation has been recently used for degenerative spinal diseases with favorable outcomes. This study attempted to analyze surgical outcomes after decompression and nonfusion stabilization for spinal stenosis with a mild to moderate degree of DLS. Methods Twenty-eight patients (21 women and 7 men, with a mean age of 65.3 years) with spinal stenosis and DLS who underwent decompressive surgery and nonfusion stabilization with the Dynesys system were included in this study. Medical records and radiological studies were reviewed to access clinical and radiological outcomes and surgery-related complications. Results Fifty-nine segments were decompressed and stabilized without fusion in 28 patients, consisting of 1 segmental stabilization in 8 patients (28.6%, L4–5), 2 segmental stabilizations in 11 patients (39.3%, L3–5), 3 segmental stabilizations in 7 patients (25.0%, L2–5 in 6 patients, L3–S1 in 1 patient), and 4 segmental stabilizations in 2 patients (7.1%, L2–S1 in 1 patient, L1–5 in 1 patient). The mean follow-up period was 30.7 months. Radiologically, the mean lumbar scoliotic angle was 13.7° before surgery, 5.1° at 3 months postoperatively, 3.8° at 12 months postoperatively, 4.2° at 24 months postoperatively, and 3.9° at the last follow-up, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Lumbar lordosis and range of motion were preserved. The score on the visual analog scale for leg and back pain significantly decreased, and the Oswestry Disability Index significantly improved after surgery. There were no newly developed neurological deficits or aggravation of neurological symptoms. A radiolucent line around the pedicle screw was observed in 4 patients (14.2%) with 5 screws (2.8%). Conclusions Adding nonfusion stabilization after decompressive surgery resulted in a safe and effective procedure for elderly patients with lumbar stenosis with a mild to moderate scoliosis angle (< 30°). Statistically significant improvement of the clinical outcome was obtained at the last follow-up evaluation with no progression of the degenerative scoliosis.

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Risk of progression of degenerative lumbar scoliosis

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2011.6.spine10929 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 15 (5) ◽

pp. 558-566 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Jun-Yeong Seo ◽

Kee-Yong Ha ◽

Tae-Hyok Hwang ◽

Ki-Won Kim ◽

Young-Hoon Kim

Keyword(s):

Vertebral Body ◽

Curve Progression ◽

Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Disc Space ◽

Apical Vertebra ◽

Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

The Mean ◽

Cobb Method ◽

The Relationship

Object In this paper the authors' goal was to determine the factors associated with the progression of degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS). Methods Twenty-seven patients (3 men and 24 women; mean age 64.9 years) with more than 10° of lumbar scoliosis at baseline were monitored for a mean period of 10 years. The radiological evaluation included measurement of the scoliosis angle using the Cobb method, the direction of the scoliosis, the relationship between the intercrest line and the L-5 vertebra, lateral listhesis, segmental angle, distance from the center of the sacral line to the apical vertebra, degenerative listhesis anteriorly or posteriorly or both, and lordosis angle. In addition, the lateral osteophyte difference, disc index, and severity of osteoporosis were measured. The pain and disability outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) relative to severity of the angle of scoliosis. Results The mean initial and final scoliosis angles were 14° ± 5.4° and 25° ± 8.5°, respectively. The initial disc index at the L-3 vertebra (Spearman ρ = 0.7, p < 0.001), the sum of the segmental wedging angles above and below the L-3 vertebra (ρ = 0.6, p < 0.001), and the initial disc index at the apical vertebra (ρ = 0.6, p < 0.001) were correlated with the last follow-up angle of the scoliosis. By contrast, there was no statistically significant correlation between the initial segmental angles at L2–3 and L3–4 and the final follow-up scoliosis angle (ρ = 0.2, p = 0.67; and ρ = 0.1, p = 0.22; respectively). When the authors separated the patients into 3 groups according to the sum of the segmental angles above and below L-3 (< 5°, 5° to 10°, and > 10°), they found that 3 (42.9%) of 7, 8 (66.7%) of 12, and 6 (75.0%) of 8 patients in the 3 groups showed increases of greater than 10° in scoliosis angle. The mean distance from the center of the sacral line to the apical vertebra was 36.0 ± 9.7 mm, and the distance correlated with the measurement of the last follow-up angle of the scoliosis (ρ = 0.6, p < 0.001). The mean angle of the scoliosis was significantly greater when the intercrest line passed through the L-5 or L4–5 disc space than when the line passed through the L-4 vertebral body (31.4° ± 7.9° vs 21.8° ± 6.7°, p = 0.01). The ODI correlated with the measurement of the angle of the scoliosis (ρ = 0.6, p < 0.001). Age, sex, osteoporosis, the direction of the scoliosis, listhesis of coronal and sagittal planes, the lateral osteophyte difference, and the vertebral body index did not correlate with curve progression. Conclusions The findings of this study demonstrated that the progression of DLS was affected by the relationship between the intercrest line and the L-5 vertebra. When L-5 was deep seated, progression of DLS was found. Asymmetrical change in the disc space above and below the L-3 or apical vertebra may also be an important predictor of curve progression.

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Radiologic and Clinical Courses of Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis (10°–25°) after a Short-Segment Fusion

Asian Spine Journal ◽

10.4184/asj.2017.11.4.570 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 570-579 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kyu Yeol Lee ◽

Min-Woo Kim ◽

Chul Soon Im ◽

Young Hoon Jung

Keyword(s):

Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Short Segment ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Lowest Instrumented Vertebra ◽

Surgical Options ◽

Cobb’S Angle ◽

Radiologic Progression

<sec><title>Study Design</title>Retrospective study.</sec><sec><title>Purpose</title>We report the surgical outcomes of small degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) patients treated by a short-segment fusion and followed for a minimum of 5 years.</sec><sec><title>Overview of Literature</title>Several surgical options are available for the treatment of DLS, such as decompression only, decompression plus a short-segment fusion, or decompression with a long segment fusion. Few studies have evaluated the results of a short-segment fusion in patients with DLS over time.</sec><sec><title>Methods</title>Seventy small DLS patients (Cobb's angle, 10°–25°) with a minimum follow-up of 5 years were treated with a short-segment fusion between March 2004 and February 2010. The mean patient age was 71 (male:female=16:54), with a follow-up of 6.5 years (range, 5.0–11.6). The Cobb's angle, 1 and 2 segment coronal upper intervertebral angle, 1 and 2 segment sagittal upper intervertebral angle, the lumbar lordosis angle, and the C7 plumb lines (coronal and sagittal) were evaluated using simple radiographs, and visual analog scale (VAS), back pain was assessed preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and at 3, 6, and 12 months and 3 and 5 years after surgery. To identify factors influencing the radiologic progression, age, number of fusion segments, vertebral levels of fusion, body mass index, lowest instrumented vertebra (L5 or S1), bone mineral density (>–2.5, ≤–2.5), and the presence of an interbody fusion were analyzed.</sec><sec><title>Results</title>The Cobb's angle and 1 segment coronal upper intervertebral angle showed more progression during follow up, particularly at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Clinical outcomes and radiological results were found to be significantly associated (<italic>p</italic>=0.041). No statistically significant association was found between other factors affecting radiologic progression from postoperative 6 months to 1 year.</sec><sec><title>Conclusions</title>Radiologic variables (the Cobb's angle and coronal upper intervertebral angle–1) should be carefully considered and clinical caution exercised from 6 to 12 months after short-segment fusion in small DLS (10°–25°).</sec>

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Radiologic prognostic factors of curve progression in early degenerative lumbar scoliosis

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2020.7.spine20266 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Jin-Sung Park ◽

Se-Jun Park ◽

Chong-Suh Lee ◽

Tae-hoon Yum ◽

Bo-Taek Kim

Keyword(s):

Cobb Angle ◽

Curve Progression ◽

Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Disc Space ◽

Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Radiological Parameters ◽

Lateral Subluxation ◽

Lower Disc ◽

The Mean

OBJECTIVESeveral radiological parameters related to the aging spine have been reported as progression factors of early degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS). However, it has not been determined which factors are the most important. In this study the authors aimed to determine the risk factors associated with curve progression in early DLS.METHODSFifty-one patients with early DLS and Cobb angles of 5°–15° were investigated. In total, 7 men and 44 women (mean age 61.6 years) were observed for a mean period of 13.7 years. The subjects were divided into two groups according to Cobb angle progression (≥ 15° or < 15°) at the final follow-up, and radiological parameters were compared. The direction of scoliosis, apical vertebral level and rotational grade, lateral subluxation, disc space difference, osteophyte difference, upper and lower disc wedging angles, and relationship between the intercrest line and L5 vertebra were evaluated.RESULTSDuring the follow-up period, the mean curve progression increased from 8.8° ± 3.2° to 19.4° ± 8.9°. The Cobb angle had progressed by ≥ 15° in 17 patients (33.3%) at the final follow-up. In these patients the mean Cobb angle increased from 9.4° ± 3.4° to 28.8° ± 7.5°, and in the 34 remaining patients it increased from 8.5° ± 3.1° to 14.7° ± 4.8°. The baseline lateral subluxation, disc space difference, and upper and lower disc wedging angles significantly differed between the groups. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the upper and lower disc wedging angles were significantly correlated with curve progression (OR 1.55, p = 0.035, and OR 1.89, p = 0.004, respectively).CONCLUSIONSAsymmetrical degenerative change in the lower apical vertebral disc, which leads to upper and lower disc wedging angles, is the most substantial factor in predicting early DLS progression.

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Incidence, Risk, and Outcome of Pedicle Screw Loosening in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis Patients Undergoing Long-Segment Fusion

Global Spine Journal ◽

10.1177/21925682211017477 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 219256822110174

Author(s):

Lei Yuan ◽

Xinling Zhang ◽

Yan Zeng ◽

Zhongqiang Chen ◽

Weishi Li

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Pedicle Screw ◽

Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Screw Loosening ◽

Fusion Surgery ◽

Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Lateral Subluxation ◽

Incidence Risk ◽

Pedicle Screw Loosening

Study Design: Retrospective study. Objective: To investigate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of pedicle screw loosening in degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) undergoing long-segment spinal fusion surgery. Methods: One hundred and thirty DLS patients who underwent long-segment fusion surgery with at least a 12-month follow-up were studied. The incidence and risk factors of screw loosening were investigated. VAS, SRS-22, and ODI scores were obtained preoperatively and at follow-up. Results: One hundred and sixty-eight of 1784 (9.4%) screws showed evidence of loosening in 71 (54.6%) patients. Three patients required revision surgery. Screw loosening rates according to vertebral insertion level were lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV): 45.4%; uppermost instrumented vertebra (UIV):17.7%; one vertebra above the LIV: 0.5%; 2 vertebrae above the LIV: 0.4%. Multiple logistic regression analysis of possible risk factors indicated that preoperative lateral subluxation ≥8 mm (odds ratio [OR]: 2.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-6.20), osteopenia (OR: 5.52, 95% CI: 1.64-18.56), osteoporosis (OR: 8.19, 95% CI: 2.40-27.97), fusion to sacrum (OR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.12-5.83), postoperative TLK greater than 10° (OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.14-6.04) and SVA imbalance (OR: 3.44, 95% CI: 1.17-10.14) were statistically significant. No difference was noted in preoperative, follow-up, and change of VAS, ODI, and SRS-22 scores. Conclusions: Screw loosening in DLS underwent long-segment surgery is common and tends to occur in the LIV or UIV. Lateral subluxation ≥8 mm, osteopenia, osteoporosis, fusion to the sacrum, postoperative TLK greater than 10°, and SVA imbalance were the independent influencing factors. Screw loosening can be asymptomatic, while longer-term follow-up is required.

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Early surgical intervention for active thoracic spinal tuberculosis patients with paraparesis and paraplegia

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12891-021-04078-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Weiwei Li ◽

Zheng Liu ◽

Xiao Xiao ◽

Zhenchao Xu ◽

Zhicheng Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Loss ◽

Surgical Intervention ◽

Spinal Tuberculosis ◽

Thoracic Spinal ◽

Cobb’S Angle ◽

Perioperative Complication ◽

The Mean ◽

Early Surgical Intervention ◽

Thoracic Spinal Tuberculosis

Abstract Background To explore the therapeutic effect of early surgical intervention for active thoracic spinal tuberculosis (TB) patients with paraparesis and paraplegia. Methods Data on 118 active thoracic spinal TB patients with paraparesis and paraplegia who had undergone surgery at an early stage (within three weeks of paraparesis and paraplegia) from January 2008 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. The operation duration, blood loss, perioperative complication rate, VAS score, ASIA grade and NASCIS score of neurological status rating, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), kyphotic Cobb’s angle, and duration of bone graft fusion were analyzed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of surgery. Results The mean operating time was 194.2 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 871.2 ml. The perioperative complication rate was 5.9 %. The mean preoperative VAS score was 5.3, which significantly decreased to 3.2 after the operation and continued decreasing to 1.1 at follow up (P<0.05). All cases achieved an increase of at least one ASIA grade after operation. The rate of full neurological recovery for paraplegia (ASIA grade A and B) was 18.0 % and was significantly lower than the rate (100 %) for paraparesis (ASIA grade C and D) (P<0.05). On the NASCIS scale, the difference in the neurological improvement rate between paraplegia (22.2 % ± 14.1 % in sensation and 52.2 % ± 25.8 % in movement) and paraparesis (26.7 % ± 7.5 % in sensation and 59.4 % ± 7.3 % in movement) was remarkable (P<0.05). Mean preoperative ESR and CRP were 73.1 mm /h and 82.4 mg/L, respectively, which showed a significant increase after operation (P>0.05), then gradually decreased to 11.5 ± 1.8 mm/h and 2.6 ± 0.82 mg/L, respectively, at final follow up (P<0.05). The mean preoperative kyphotic Cobb’s angle was 21.9º, which significantly decreased to 6.5º after operation (P<0.05) while kyphotic correction was not lost during follow up (P>0.05). The mean duration of bone graft fusion was 8.6 ± 1.3 months. Conclusions Early surgical intervention may be beneficial for active thoracic spinal TB patients with paraparesis and paraplegia, with surgical intervention being more beneficial for recovery from paraparesis than paraplegia.

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