Management of spinal tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying the clinical benefit of chemotherapy with surgical intervention over chemotherapy alone for the treatment of spinal tuberculosis. Methods Relevant RCTs were identified by computerized database searches. Trial eligibility and methodological quality were assessed and data were extracted and analysed using odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. The primary outcome measure was kyphosis angle. Results The literature search identified two RCTs conducted in the 1970s and 1980s and a Cochrane Database Systematic Review published in 2006. There were no significant between-group differences in kyphosis angle, bony fusion, bone loss or development of neurological deficit. Conclusions There is no obvious statistically significant clinical precedence to suggest that routine surgery will improve the prognosis of patients with spinal tuberculosis.