Abstract: Objective To evaluate the curative effect of modified anterior focus debridement for the treatment of lower lumbar tuberculosis. Method Eight lower lumbar tuberculosis cases from April 2005 were analyzed retrospectively among whom 3 were male and 5 were female,and the age was ranged from 26 to 57 years with a mean of 35 years.For the focus of tuberculosis,1 was involved in L₃～L₄,4 were involved in L₄～L₅,1 was involved in L₅～S₁,1 was involved in L₃～L₅,and 1 was involved in L₄～S₁.All cases received modified anterior focus debridement,bone fusion and internal fixation along with strict anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy.The improvement of symptoms and neurological function,angles reduced by the surgeries and bone fusion during follow-up were observed. Result No recurrence was found in the follow-up period extending from 6 months to 24 months with an average of 14 months.4cases were observed for up 12 months,4cases acquired primary healing,the systematic and local symptoms were released postoperatively,and no internal loosing of the fixation was found.According to the standard of Bridwell,there were 2 cases in Bridwell class I and 2 cases in class Ⅱ. Conclusion The treatment of lower lumbar tuberculosis through modified anterior focus debridement has many advantages which include fully revealing,complete lesion resection,and less injury.

Key words: tuberculosis/surgery, tuberculosis,lumbar vertebrae