One-stage posterior debridement approach combined with autogenous bone grafting and internal fixation for the treatment of adult thoracic or lumbar suppurative spondylitis via the multifidus and longissimus interspaces.

Abstract

Background: Surgical treatment of suppurative spondylitis requires focus debridement, spinal stability, and deformity correction. Different approaches face challenges like complex anatomical structures and greater trauma. The aim is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of One-stage debridement approach combined with autogenous bone grafting and internal fixation for the treatment of adult thoracic or lumbar suppurative spondylitis via the multifidus and longissimus interspaces.

Methods: From July 2018 to July 2021, 91 patients (65 male, 26 female) with single - level thoracic or lumbar suppurative spondylitis underwent the one-stage posterior procedure. Operative details and hospital stay were recorded. ESR, CRP, and PCT levels were analyzed at specific times. Pain was rated by VAS, Using ODI score to evaluate the improvement of lumbar activity, and neurological function was assessed by ASIA scale. Cobb angles were measured for deformity evaluation. Bony fusion was evaluated by radiography and computed tomography.

Results: The mean operative duration was 195.6 ± 15.4 min, blood loss was 575.9 ± 90.1 ml, and hospital stay was 19.9 ± 2.2 days. ESR, CRP, and PCT levels significantly decreased before discharge (ESR: 80.2 ± 14.6 mm/h vs. 30.2 ± 8.9 mm/h, CRP: 58.5 ± 13.6 mg/L vs. 15.1 ± 7.4 mg/L, PCT: 0.8 ± 0.2 ng/ml vs. 0.1 ± 0.1 ng/ml, P < 0.05). All patients had pain relief. VAS scores improved (preoperative 7.7 ± 1.1, before discharge 2.8 ± 0.6, final follow-up 1.3 ± 0.6). The lumbar activity of all patients was significantly improved compared with preoperative(preoperative 41.36 ± 3.20, final follow-up 6.18 ± 1.33). Neurologically impaired patients improved in ASIA grade. The mean preoperative Cobb angle was 19.6 ± 1.6°, reduced to 6.2 ± 1.5° before discharge and 9.4 ± 1.0° at final follow-up. The mean angle correction was 13.4 ± 0.6°, correction rate 68.7% ± 5.4% (P < 0.05), with a final loss angle of 3.2 ± 0.7° and loss rate 24.1% ± 4.8%. All grafts achieved complete fusion.

Conclusions: This one-stage posterior approach is effective and feasible for adult single - level thoracic or lumbar suppurative spondylitis, protecting paravertebral muscles and posterior ligament complexes. However, further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are needed.