Definition & Overview
Pott’s Disease, also known as Tuberculosis Spondylitis, is a rare infectious disease of the spine typically caused by an extraspinal infection. It is a combination of osteomyelitis and arthritis which involves multiple vertebrae.
The disease frequently affects the lower thoracic vertebrae. A possible effect is vertebral collapse, leading to a kyphotic deformity (hunchback). Other effects can include compression fractures, spinal deformities, and neurological insults, including paraplegia.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of Spinal Tuberculosis include:
- Severe back pain
- Restricted Spinal Motion (stiffness)
- Spinal Deformity (Kyphosis/Gibbus)
- Constitutional symptoms (fever, weight loss, night sweats)
- Approximately 10% of cases involve the cervical spine (neck)
Causes
Spine TB occurs when you contract tuberculosis (usually in the lungs) and it spreads through the bloodstream to the spine.
Tuberculosis is normally spread from person to person through the air. Once the bacteria travel from the lungs or lymph nodes into the bones, spine, or joints, it causes bone destruction and infection.
Treatment Options
Medical Treatment
For patients diagnosed in the early phase, medical treatment with appropriate anti-tubercular drugs (ATT) is usually sufficient. This regimen often lasts 9-18 months and includes:
- Multi-drug antibiotic therapy
- Good nutrition and supplements
- Adequate rest
- Bracing of the affected spine segment
Regular blood tests and imaging are necessary to monitor the healing process.
When is Surgery Needed?
Surgery is generally reserved for complicated cases. It is required if the patient exhibits:
- Signs of severe spinal cord compression (weakness in legs)
- Progressive worsening of symptoms despite drug therapy
- Severe pain not responding to medication
- Severe spinal deformity requiring correction