Immobilization and progressive kyphosis are the majör postoperative problems encountered after anterior radical surgical treatment for tuberculosis of the spine. Posterior fusion and instrumentation can be the effec-tive solution for these problems. İn this study, the indications and clinical results of posterior stabilization op-erations following anterior surgery are discussed and the importance of posterior stabilization is emphasized.
Eighty-five cases of tuberculosis of the spine were surgically treated betvveen 1987 and 1993. İn 57 of these cases, only the anterior radical procedure vvas used. Eight cases younger than 8 years of age had anterior procedure and posterior fusion vvithout instrumentation. Remaining 20 cases had anterior procedure and posterior fusion with Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation. Follow-up period ranges from 6.2 years to 12 months (mean 39.2 months).
Our results suggest that posterior spinal fusion and posterior stabilization follovving anterior debridement is superior to anterior surgery alone. The advantages of this technique are the achievement of better sagittal and coronal balance, minimal risk of loss of correction and pseudoarthrosis, early ambulation and return to daily activities and early discharge from the hospital.
Keywords: Potl's disese, auterior radical debridment posterior instrumentation.