Pott's Spine

The most frequent extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis (TB) is spinal tuberculosis, often known as Pott’s spine. Hematogenous dissemination characterizes its mode of dissemination. Constitutional symptoms, back discomfort, soreness, paralysis or paresis, kyphosis or scoliosis are clinical manifestations. Inhalation of air contaminated with the TB-causing Mycobacterium tuberculosis can lead to the development of Pott’s illness. An infection in the lungs can extend to the spinal cord. Transmission occurs via a bloodborne route, or is hematogenous.

In order to prevent future neurological consequences, patients with Pott’s illness frequently undergo spinal fusion or spinal decompression procedures. Spinal instability following debridement; abscess or sequestrum invasion of the spinal canal producing spinal cord compression; significant injury or collapse of one or more vertebral bodies were the most common reasons for surgery employing an anterior mixed with posterior approach.