Abstract:

In the surgical treatment of thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis, debridement of the lesion, bone graft and internal fixation can be done via anterior approach. The traditional anterior approach has disadvantages of long incision and big trauma though the lesion can be clearly revealed and removed. In recent years, minimally invasive technology has been gradually used in anterior thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis surgery because of its advantages of small trauma, rapid recovery. We reviewed the literature and discussed the best indications of minimally invasive surgeries such as modified small incision anterior surgery, real-time imaging guided percutaneous catheter drainage, endoscopic assisted surgery and lateral intervertebral fusion. The application of minimally invasive techniques in anterior surgery of thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis was discussed in this review. It is of great significance to select different minimally invasive surgical procedures for different patients.

Key words: Tuberculosis, spinal, Surgical procedures, minimally invasive, Spinal fusion, Endoscopy, Radiology, interventional, Review