0
Journal Contents   |    
Chemotherapy of Tuberculosis of the Spine
BARRY FRIEDMAN
View Disclosures and Other Information
2460 Fairmount Boulevard, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106
1966 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated
The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.  1966; 48:451-474 
5 Recommendations (Recommend) | 3 Comments | Saved by 3 Users Save Case
text A A A

Abstract

1. Sixty-four adults with tuberculosis of the spine were treated principally with prolonged courses of antituberculosis drugs, bed rest, and braces. Surgical procedures for abscess evacuation and for the treatment of paraplegia were carried out in some cases, but spine fusion was not performed. These patients have been followed for from two to fourteen years.

2. The response to treatment of the vertebral lesions, abscesses, and sinuses was, on the whole, favorable.

3. Eight patients had spinal-cord involvement with paralysis; four recovered completely, and the others showed various degrees of recovery. Costotransversectomy and laminectomy were the operative procedures performed in these cases.

4. Two patients failed to respond to treatment and died of tuberculosis; twelve had relapses and two of these died; the remainder responded to retreatment. The relapses occurred in patients treated with streptomycin in the early years of antituberculosis drug therapy. Isoniazid appears to be more effective than streptomycin in preventing relapse.

5. While there are limited indications for surgical spine fusion in tuberculosis, it is not a substitute for adequate antituberculosis drug therapy.

6. The recommended drug program for most adults is 300 milligrams of isoniazid and twelve grams of para-aminosalicylic acid daily for two and one-half years.

Figures in this Article
    This article is only available in the PDF format. Download the PDF to view the article, as well as its associated figures and tables.

    Topics

    Accreditation Statement
    These activities have been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
    CME Activities Associated with This Article
    Submit a Comment
    Please read the other comments before you post yours. Contributors must reveal any conflict of interest.
    Comments are moderated and will appear on the site at the discretion of JBJS editorial staff.

    * = Required Field
    (if multiple authors, separate names by comma)
    Example: John Doe




    Related Articles
    Related Cases
    Related Content
    Topic Collections
    Related Audio and Videos
    PubMed Articles
    Clinical Trials
    Readers of This Also Read...
    jbjs jobs
    12/22/2011
    VA - Charleston Area Medical Center
    12/22/2011
    ME - Central Maine Medical Center