Objective: To determine the efficacy and feasibility of surgical management of cervicothoracic tuberculosis accompanied by kyphosis in children by using one-stage posterior focus debridement, bone graft fusion, and instrumentation at a single institution.

Methods: Ten consecutive cases with cervicothoracic tuberculosis with kyphosis were treated with one-stage posterior focus debridement, bone graft fusion, and instrumentation. The mean follow-up was 36 months (range 26-47 months). The kyphotic angle ranged from 35° to 62° before operation, 50.5° in average. The American Spinal Injury Association score system was used to evaluate the neurological deficits.

Results: Spinal tuberculosis was completely cured in all ten patients. There was no recurrent tuberculous infection. The postoperative kyphotic angle was 10° to 22°, 17.5° in average, and there was no significant loss of the correction at the latest follow-up. Solid fusion was achieved in all cases. Neurological condition in all patients was improved after surgery.

Conclusions: One-stage posterior debridement, bone grafting, and instrumentation can be an effective treatment method of cervicothoracic spinal tuberculosis with kyphosis in children.