Abstract: Objective To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of anterior radical debridement and interbody fusion with cervical plating procedure for treating cervical tuberculosis.Methods From March 1997 to May 2001,anterior radical debridement and interbody fusion with cervical plating procedure were used in 27 patients suffering from cervical spinal tuberculosis,18 of them were involved in a longitudinal study follow-up for a mean of 3.6 years postoperatively.Results All patients achieved satisfactory results, and showed successful interbody fusion. Among 7 cases with neurologic deficit, 2 patients with Frankel’s grade B or C neurologic deficit were improved to Frankel’s grade D, the others were completely recovered. The kyphosis were corrected and the normal cervical lordosis were maintained in 17 patients,1 patient had a unsatisfied lordotic curve resulting from insufficient traction during operation. No notable loss of correction were observed in the final follow-up. There were no plates and screws complications.Conclusion Anterior radical debridement and interbody fusion with cervical plating fixation is effective in strengthening the stability of the spine in cervical tuberculosis and providing successful interbody fusion and early rehabilitation. This procedure is also found helpful in correcting of kyphosis and restoring the normal cervical lordosis.

Key words: Cervical, Tuberculosis,spine, Internal fixation