OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correction of kyphotic deformity, stability and fusion promoted by titanium implants (Synex - Ventrofix Synthes) in spinal tuberculosis. METHODS: Between january 2010 and august 2012, eight patients with a diagnosis of vertebral tuberculosis underwent surgery by anterior approach, with follow-up of 18 months. The procedure consisted of wide debridement of the affected body, followed by instrumentation with titanium implants (Synex - Ventrofix Synthes) and rib autograft. The indication for surgery was neurological deficit and kyphosis of the segment. Previously, patients received tuberculosis treatment for three weeks. Imaging studies before and after surgery, as frontal and lateral radiographs, evaluated the kyphosis. Fusion was assessed by postoperative simple CT. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed preoperatively. Besides imaging, the following tests were made: complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and microbiological examination of urine and sputum smear, sputum or urine culture. RESULTS: Eight patients were operated by anterior approach, five males with a mean age of 37.2 years and three women mean age of 56.3 years. All patients had neurological deficit. Six had incomplete lesions and had some degree of neurological improvement. Two paraplegics did not recover neurological function. The average preoperative kyphosis was 14.38 degrees and postoperative 6.8 degrees. There was no significant loss of correction or disease recurrence. CONCLUSION: The anterior instrumentation is an effective method to treat spinal tuberculosis, while avoiding the progression of kyphosis or promotes kyphosis correction.
Tuberculosis spinal; Spinal fusion; Prostheses and implants; Arthrodesis
