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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience in the management of 22 patients with thoracolumbar spine tuberculosis (TB) using a chemotherapy regimen and locally custom-made spinal brace. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with thoracolumbar spine TB had been treated conservatively by chemotherapy and locally custom-made spinal brace and followed for 36-48 months from June 1996 to June 2000 in the Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Algamhoria Teaching Hospital, Aden, Republic of Yemen. In 14 cases, 2 vertebrae were involved, whereas in 8 cases involvement was only of one vertebra. All had persistent back pain: 2 had neurological deficit, Frankel grade A and B (9%), and 12 (54%) had gibbus deformity. RESULTS: At the end of the observation period, all patients had no pain (based on the adjective rating scale). Fourteen thoracic and 3 psoas abscesses resolved by 18 months. Four cases (18%) had deterioration of the angle of kyphosis. Five cases (22.5%) had progressive vertebral loss. Twelve cases (84%) had bony fusion at 36 months. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy regimen and locally custom-made spinal brace is not costly, needs neither admission nor surgical intervention that demands skills and experience and can be recommended for uncomplicated thoracolumbar spinal TB.

Article Type

Research Article

First Page

1483

Last Page

1488

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