title: Cortical allografts in spinal tuberculosis.
abstract: One-hundred-twenty-three patients with neurological deficit due to spinal tuberculosis underwent anterior spinal decompression and anterior column reconstruction with fresh-frozen femoral allograft. Fifty-two patients with a follow-up of more than 5 years were evaluated to assess the incorporation and the efficacy of allograft in maintaining correction. The allograft was incorporated in 49 patients at a mean follow-up of 6.5 (5.3-8.2) years. Complete neurological recovery occurred in 39 patients. The mean pre-operative kyphosis of 37 degrees (15 degrees -67 degrees ) was corrected to 18 degrees (5 degrees -45 degrees ). Fresh-frozen allografts are a suitable alternative to autologous rib and iliac crest grafts in the treatment of spinal tuberculosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of Natal, Private Bag 7, Congella, 4013, Durban, South Africa. katia@nu.ac.za
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Govender
authors.forename: K P S
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Kumar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014399:Tuberculosis, Spinal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents