Bone fusion and fixation in the repair of lumbar brucellar spondylitis:spinal stability in 6-month follow-up

Niu Guang-xu; KahaerAikenmu; Zhao Jiang; Chu Ge; Wang Zhen-bin; Gu Wen-fei; Tu Lai-yong

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2015.09.013

Abstract：BACKGROUND:After simple debridement and fusion of brucel a spondylitis, bed time is long. Activities are likely to cause spinal instability. Bone nonunion rate is very high, and the curative effects are poor. <br> OBJECTIVE:To investigate the efficacy of debridement and interbody fusion fixation for repair of lumbar brucel ar spondylitis and for stable spine structure. <br> METHODS:A total of 31 cases of lumbar brucel ar spondylitis were obtained from Affiliated Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University between January 2007 to August 2013, including 22 males and 9 females, at the age of 42-73 years, averagely 52 years. Their course of disease was 3-13 months, averagely 5 months. Al patients were administered combination therapy of rifampin and minocycline and streptomycin, and then received one-stage debridement and fusion, spinal pedicle screw fixation system. Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores were compared before and after the surgery for assessing prognosis and functional recovery. Bone fusion was observed using X-ray during fol ow-up. <br> RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Al patients were fol owed up for 6-24 months, averagely 12.6 months. After repair, Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores were increased, showing significant differences compared with pre-treatment (P<0.05). No recurrence or severe complications appeared during fol ow-up. Al patients were rechecked using X-ray within 5 days after repair. Results showed that the internal fixation and bone graft fusion were good. Final fol ow-up radiographs revealed that bone healing was good, and the spine was stable. Above data confirmed that on the basis of triple-drug therapy, debridement and interbody fusion and internal fixation for treating lumbar brucel ar spondylitis can maintain spinal stability, reduce complications, and obtain reliable repair effects.