Wiltse transforaminal thoracic interbody fusion approach for the treatment of single‑segment thoracic spinal tuberculosis in elderly patients with osteoporosis: A retrospective study of 20 cases

This study investigates the effectiveness of the Wiltse TTIF surgical approach combined with anti-TB chemotherapy for elderly patients suffering from single-segment thoracic tuberculosis (SSTTB) complicated by osteoporosis and neurological problems. The Wiltse approach involves a surgical technique that reduces dissection time and traction of the multifidus muscle, taking advantage of the integrity of the posterior bone and ligamentous structural complexes. The study followed 20 elderly patients who underwent the Wiltse TTIF approach, assessing their kyphosis angle, neurological deficits, TB activity, and osteoporosis using various measurements and classifications.

• 1
  The study found that all 20 patients with SSTTB were completely cured without recurrence after undergoing Wiltse TTIF surgery combined with anti-TB chemotherapy.
• 2
  The postoperative kyphotic angle significantly improved, and bone graft fusion was observed within 6-9 months, with all patients reporting relief of back pain.
• 3
  The neurological condition of all patients improved postoperatively, as assessed by the Frankel classification.