Treatment of Spinal Tuberculosis Associated with Neurological Symptom

Lee, Han Koo; Choi, Jang Seok; Ahn, Jea Whan

Abstract

The result of interference with the conductibility of the spinal cord is one of the most disabling and distressing complications of splnal tuberculosis. This fact was recognized as early as in 1779, when Pott published. The antituberculous drugs and improved surgical treatment have made possible a more effective treatment than before and improved the prognosis but not solved all problems completely. The following results were shown by analysis of 63 cases of spinal tuberculosls with neurological symptom experienced in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University in the past 9.5 years from Jan. 1970 to Jun. 1979. 1. Number of cases In child was 15. (29%). 2. Pulmonary and other tuberculous diseases were manifested in 29 cases (46%). 3. Regions of the spine inovolved were most common In thoracic spine (43 cases), especially lower thoracic spine. 4. There were 49 early and 14 late paraplegia 5. There were 24 complete and 39 incomplete paraplegia. 6. Spastic type was more common than flaccid type. 7. Anterior fusion was done in 55 cases and costotransversectomy in 8. 8. There were 36 cases (57%) of complete recovery and 8 of fallure. 9. The prognosis for recovery from paraplegia appeared to depend on age, duration, type and onset of paraplegia.