The Efficacy Of A Slidable Pedicle Screw-rod System In The Treatment Of Thoracolumbar Tuberculosis

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of a slideable pedicle screw-rod system as a novel type of pedicle internal fixation system in the treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis.Methods: We analysed 21 patients(14 males and 7 females)with thoracolumbar tuberculosis using the novel slideable pedicle screw-rod system from November 2014 to June 2016,aged37-31 y and average 55.2 y.Visual analogue scale(VAS),The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score(JOA),ASIA grade,the fusion situation,the height variation of slideable pedicle screw-rod system and Cobb's angle before and after surgery were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy.Results: 21 patients were successfully completed the operation,all were followed up for 3-12 months,17 cases were followed up for more than 12 months,with an average of 10.7 months.Patients at every time after operation compared with preoperative VAS and JOA scores decreased,postoperative ASIA grade were significantly improved compared with preoperative,the difference was statistically significant(p<0.05),postoperative imaging showed 3 days after January,March,June is the height of fusion segment changes,but no case showed the neurologic damage symptoms.The postoperative Cobb angle improved significantly compared with the preoperative,postoperative 3 months after stabilized,postoperative imaging of 17 cases of more than 12 months were basically reached the fusion,there were no pedicle screw-rod loosening,breakage,intervertebral fusion sinking too much lead to the occurrence of kyphosis phenomenon.Conclusion: The novel slideable pedicle screw-rod system for treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis,the short-term clinical efficacy is satisfied,can promote the segment fusion,but its long-term efficacy still need long-term and large sample clinical further follow-up.