TUBERCULOSIS SPINE
Tuberculosis spine is a dreaded disease, causing pain, weakness and loss of control of urine. Late presentation or untreated can result in deformity of spine or even paralysis. Timely treatment can help prevent any of the above complications.
Treatment is essentially medical with standard medicines used and recommended by Government of India being used all over India. They are available in government dispensaries for people unable to afford them from private pharmacies.
However, if weakness or deformity occurs,, surgery may be needed to reverse them.
Presenting here a case of 11 year old girl with severe pain over upper back for 1 month. X rays were unreliable and normal since shoulder comes in view of upper thoracic vertebrae on x rays. MRI done revealed destruction of D2 vertebral body with abscess pressing against spinal cord.
Since patient yet did not have any weakness, she was started on medical; treatment and put on bed rest to prevent further collapse of bones from her weight. Her pains reduced from 3rd week onward and her diet improved significantly. All this while parents were aware of need for any urgent surgery if weakness or loss of control in urine occurs.
She was mobilized from 5-6 weeks onward with reduction in medicines over subsequent months.
Her follow up MRI done at 6 months shows total resolution of pus, and no pressure on spinal cord. Child is healthy and attending school and sports.
This case demonstrates power of timely treatment with medicines. Important if bed rest to prevent collapse of bones on movements till they become hard enough to bear weight. Also important is awareness of patient about need for surgery and availability of right doctors and medical facility to undertake this complicated procedures.
For further information, please contact Dr Vishal Nigam. he is the best spine surgeon in Delhi. He is director Spine Services at Moolchand Medcity, Delhi. He is also the best spine surgeon in Noida and has a clinic at Sector 20 NOIDA. He can be contacted at drvishalnigam@gmail.com or messaged at 9650682102.