Abstract: Objective To explore the clinical effect and operation for patients with a short segment of spinal tuberculosis combined with tuberculous empyema.  Methods Clinical effects of the short segment of spinal tuberculosis combined with tuberculous empyema patients, which have been accepted in Xi’an Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed from 2009 January to 2013 August. Preoperative anti-tuberculosis treatment was conducted with isoniazid (0.40 g intravenous qd), rifampicin(0.4 g/0.60 g oral qd)，amikacin sulfate(0.40 g intravenous qd), pyrazinamide(0.50 g oral bid) and ethambutol hydrochloride(0.75 g oral qd) at least 2-4 weeks, while also given oral hepatoprotective therapy (compound glycyrrhizin capsules, 2 capsules, bid). Pleural decortications and debridement of empyemas were performed for the first ipsilateral pleural, and then debridement of spinal tuberculosis, bone graft fusion and internal fixation operation were performed. Seventy-four cases were all completed in one stage. Results All 74 cases in this group were cured without recurrence, except for 6 cases of postoperative sinus formed skin, which were healed after long term dressing with gauze of isoniazid injection. And all patients with the pain of the chest and back were disappeared after operation. Conclusion For patients with a short segment of spinal tuberculosis combined with tuberculous empyema, surgical operation should be performed as soon as possible and the clinical curative effect was good and most patients can be cured after antituberculous treatment were administered for at least 2-4 weeks.

Key words: Tuberculosis, spinal/surgery, Empyema,tuberculous/surgery