Comparison of One-Stage (Posterior-Only Approach) and Two-Stage (Combined Anterior-Posterior Approach) Surgery in Treating Spinal Tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Limited research has examined the effectiveness of posterior-only versus combined anterior-posterior surgical techniques for spinal tuberculosis (STB). This study sought to assess and compare these two surgical methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective review of 20 patients with STB who received a posterior-only intervention (group A) and 20 patients who underwent a combined anterior-posterior procedure (group B). We analyzed and compared the outcomes of both groups. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in the visual analogue scale and Oswestry Disability Index; however, there were no significant differences between the two groups. The average hospital stay for group A was significantly shorter (P ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were observed in any other measured outcomes between the two groups. One patient from group A and two patients from group B experienced infections at the surgical site, and one individual in each group developed pseudoarthrosis. CONCLUSION: Both the combined anterior-posterior and posterior-only surgical approaches can yield satisfactory clinical and radiological results in treating STB. Conversely, the posterior-only approach effectively achieves lesion debridement, decompression, and the maintenance of stability, along with the potential benefit of a reduced hospital stay.