Tuberculous Spondylodiscitis A systematic Review of Literature

Abstract

Abstract Drug resistant tuberculosis results from previous irregular chemotherapy, patient noncompliance and spread of drug resistant strains. Treatment with individualized chemotherapy according to susceptibility testing and surgery give the best results. Spinal tuberculosis in children is usually associated with bone loss and disturbed growth even if treated surgically. Antituberculosis chemotherapy in children is strictly used according to bodyweight. Surgical treatment is indicated in case of neurological complications, progressive deformity or spinal instability. In our systematic review, we used literatures discussing results of anterior and posterior approaches to compare between both approaches as regard effectiveness and safety. The results include preoperative and postoperative kyphotic angle and the final kyphotic angle at the last follow up, blood loss, operative time, preoperative neurological deficits and neurological recovery after surgery and lastly the recorded complications. we concluded that both anterior and posterior approaches are effective and safe for surgical treatment of spinal tuberculosis and the choice for suitable approach depend on location of TB lesion within the vertebral column, site of the lesion within the vertebra, number of levels involved, chest condition of the patient, presence and size of paraspinal abscess.