ANALYSIS OF CLINICO-RADIOLOGICAL OUTCOME OF POSTERIOR INSTRUMENTATION IN EARLY ONSET POTT'S PARAPARESIS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

BACKGROUND: The preferred modality of surgical intervention in thoraco-lumbar spinal tuberculosis has been controversial. The aim is to evaluate the role of isolated posterior instrumentation without anterior instrumentation and without anterior or posterior bone grafting in cases of early onset pott's paraparesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 22 patients with early onset Pott's Paraparesis have been treated surgically by posterior instrumentation (Pedicular screws with rods) with posterior decompression with paraspinal abscess drainage as a single stage procedure under chemotherapy cover. Patients have been followed for minimum of 18 months. RESULTS: Inter-body fusion has been noticed in all patients in follow-up. The mean kyphotic angle of 28 degrees has been improved to mean kyphotic angle of 5.4 degrees in immediate post-operative period. CONCLUSION: Isolated posterior stabilization seems to be adequate for clinical and radiological improvement in early onset pott's paraparesis with maintenance of acceptable kyphotic angle.