Computed tomography-guided percutaneous focal catheter infusion in the treatment of spinal tuberculosis


Published online: Dec 27 2014

Xiaohua HOU, Xiaowei SUN, Zhiyong ZHANG, Guangyue XIE, Xifeng ZHANG

From Department of Orthopaedics, Tangshan Workers' Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, China

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous focal catheter infusion for the treatment of spinal tuberculosis. Clinical and follow-up data from 27 spinal tuberculosis patients who underwent CT-guided intervertebral catheterized infusion chemotherapy from May 2008 to October 2011 were retrospectively analyzed ; treatment included pure intervertebral infusion chemotherapy and catheter drainage for continuous abscess washing during infusion chemotherapy. All surgeries were successfully completed under CT guidance without complications. The C-reactive protein levels of most patients rebounded within the first postoperative week but significantly decreased after the second and fourth postoperative weeks. CT-guided percutaneous focal catheter infusion was effective for the treatment of spinal tuberculosis and induced little trauma ; this treatment could also relieve the symptoms and improve the quality of life of elderly patients with poor general conditions.