Efficacy of anti-osteoporosis therapy after anterior surgery for cervical spinal tuberculosis
Abstract
Objective: To assess the effect of postoperative anti-osteoporosis therapy on titanium mesh subsidence and bone fusion time after anterior cervical surgery for spinal tuberculosis.
Methods: In this retrospective study, 66 patients undergoing anterior cervical debridement with bone grafting and fixation (2020-2024) were divided into two groups: Group A (full-course anti-osteoporosis therapy, n = 33) and Group B (no/incomplete therapy, n = 33). The primary endpoints were titanium mesh subsidence and bone fusion time. Secondary endpoints included VAS score, NDI score, Frankel grade, bone mineral density, and radiographic alignment. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were compared.
Results: The mean follow-up was 12.5 months. Neurological function (Frankel score) improved in all patients. The titanium mesh subsidence rate was significantly lower in Group A (21.2%) than in Group B (45.3%). Bone fusion time was significantly shorter in Group A (3.5 ± 0.3 months) versus Group B (4.8 ± 0.5 months). Both groups showed significant improvements in VAS and NDI scores. Radiographic alignment was satisfactory. Bone mineral density improved significantly in Group A compared to both its baseline and Group B.
Conclusion: Anterior cervical surgery is effective for spinal tuberculosis. Postoperative standardized anti-osteoporosis therapy further improves outcomes by reducing implant subsidence and accelerating bone fusion, offering significant clinical benefit.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 66 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Effectiveness of Bisphosphonates and Denosumab on Risk of Vertebral Fractures in Prostate Cancer Patients Under Androgen Deprivation Therapies: A Real-World Prospective Study
- Osteoporosis-related fractures after spinal cord injury: a retrospective study from Brazil
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and mortality in older men
- Lack of Association between Vitamin D Insufficiency and Cardiovascular or Fracture Risk: A UK Biobank Study
- Muscle strength and body composition are clinical indicators of osteoporosis
- Incidence of bone protection and associated fragility injuries in patients with proximal femur fractures
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.