The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical feasibility and efficacy of the Wiltse approach and TTIF in elderly patients with single-segment thoracic tuberculosis (SSTTB) complicated with osteoporosis and neurological dysfunction. Between January 2017 and January 2019, 20 elderly patients underwent the Wiltse TTIF approach at a single hospital. The follow-up time of these patients was 37.15±7.37 months (range, 24-48 months). The preoperative kyphosis angle was 35.41±6.71˚. The degree of neurological deficit in each patient was assessed using the Frankel spinal cord injury classification. In addition, TB activity was monitored using erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels, and the degree of osteoporosis was evaluated using femoral neck bone mineral density T-scores. The 20 patients with SSTTB were completely cured without recurrence. The postoperative kyphotic angle was 8.80±0.79˚, without significant loss of correction at the final follow-up. Bone graft fusion was observed within 6-9 months, with all patients reporting relief of their back pain. The neurological condition of all the patients improved postoperatively. The present study indicates that Wiltse TTIF surgery combined with anti-TB chemotherapy has satisfactory efficacy in elderly patients with SSTTB complicated by osteoporosis and neurological impairment.
Keywords: Wiltse approach; neurological deficits; single-segment; spinal tuberculosis.
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