Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of the operation of anterior internal fixation by one screw-rod system and rib graft for treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis.Methods:45 patients with thoracic spinal tuberculosis were treated by the operation of one-stage anterior debridement

spinal cord decompression

rib graft and internal fixation by screw-rod system

from Jan 2003 to Apr 2008.There were 31 males and 14 females with the mean age of 41.3 years(30 to 67 years old). According to Frankel Standard

the group had 5 cases of C and 7 cases of D.Cobb’s angles of the thoracolumbar spine ranged from 15° to 36°(average of 24.5°).All patients received antituberculosis chemotherapy for 4 to 6 weeks before operation.45 patients were constructed with rib graft and anterior internal fixation by screw-rod system.Antituberculosis chemotherapy was given for 1.5～2.0 years after surgery.Result:All patients were followed-up for 18～36 months(average 28 months).Among 45 patients

28 completely recovered(cure rate 62.22%);13 partly recovered(cure rate 28.89%)

total recovery rate being 91.22%.All patients showed successful autograft bone graft fusion.At 12 months after operation

the group had 1 case of B

3 cases of D and 8 cases of E according to Frankel Standard.Cobb’s angles of the thoracolumbar spine ranged from 0° to 12°(average of 5.9°)

showing statistically significant difference(P<0.05) when compared with that before operation.The average immediate postoperative correction of kyphosis angle was 18.6°;the average correction of kyphosis angle at the time of last follow-up was 16.7°;the average loss of correction was only 1.9°.Conclusion:Operation of anterior internal fixation by screw-rod system and rib graft for treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis can cure tuberculosis without recurrence and can also correct deformity and strengthen the spinal structure to prevent secondary paraplegia.