MATERIAL and METHODS: A retrospective study was performed. The data of 22 patients with consecutive multi-level thoracic tuberculosis and kyphosis who underwent the one-stage posterior approach of debridement, bone grafting, drainage and pedicle screws fixation were collected. The kyphotic angle was 61.6°±3.1° pre-operatively. The neurologic status based on American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scoring was A in 5 cases, B in 4 cases, C in 9 cases, D in 3 cases and E in 1 case.

RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 43.4±5.0 months. The kyphotic angle was 19.8°±0.7° after operation (p<0.01), and 21.9°±1.2° at the last visit (p<0.01). No neurological deterioration was observed in any patients after surgery. A significant difference in ASIA score was detected when the state before the operation and at the last visit was compared (p<0.01). There was no recurrent paravertebral abscess of thoracic tuberculosis in any of these cases.

CONCLUSION: The one-stage posterior approach of debridement and drainage is a feasible surgical option for consecutive multisegment thoracic tuberculosis with kyphosis. It can achieve debridement, decompression, and stabilization simultaneously. Keywords : Kyphosis, Multi-segment, Surgery, Thoracic tuberculosis