SPINAL TUBERCULOSIS
Spinal tuberculosis causes the destruction, collapse of vertebrae, and angulation of the vertebral column. The progression of this illness is slow and insidious. The total duration of the illness varies from a few months to a few years, with an average disease duration ranging from 4 to 11 months
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Spinal Tuberculosis
Spinal tuberculosis, also known as Pott’s disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the spine. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is most commonly found in developing countries with poor hygiene.
Symptoms
Spinal tuberculosis can cause a range of symptoms that may vary depending on the severity and stage of the disease. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Back pain: This is the most common symptom of spinal tuberculosis. The pain is usually felt in the middle or lower back and can be persistent or intermittent. It can get worse by movement or pressure.
- Stiffness: Spinal tuberculosis can cause stiffness in the back, making it difficult to move or turn the body. This stiffness may seem more noticeable in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity.
- Loss of mobility: In advanced stages of the disease, spinal tuberculosis can cause a loss of mobility and range of motion in the spine. This can make it difficult to perform daily activities or maintain good posture.
- Deformity: Over time, spinal tuberculosis can cause the vertebrae to collapse or fuse together. This will lead to a curvature of the spine or a hunched posture.
- Nerve compression: Spinal tuberculosis can compress the nerves that run through the spinal column. This will lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs. In severe cases, this can lead to paralysis.
- Fever and weight loss: Spinal tuberculosis can cause a fever and significant weight loss, especially in advanced stages of the disease.
- Night sweats: Some people with spinal tuberculosis may experience night sweats, which are excessive sweating that occurs during sleep.
It’s important to note that not everyone with spinal tuberculosis will experience all of these symptoms. And some people may not experience any symptoms at all. If you have concerns about this illness, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What is Spinal Tuberculosis, and how did my child contract it?
Spinal Tuberculosis, also known as Pott’s disease, is a form of tuberculosis that affects the spine. It is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually spread through the bloodstream from other parts of the body, most commonly the lungs. The infection in the spine can lead to the destruction of vertebral bodies and surrounding tissues. Transmission occurs through the inhalation of respiratory droplets from an infected person.
What are the treatment options for Spinal Tuberculosis in children, and what is the prognosis?
The treatment for Spinal Tuberculosis typically involves a combination of antibiotics (such as isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol) taken for an extended period, often six to nine months. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the spine or drain abscesses. The prognosis for Spinal Tuberculosis can be favorable with early and appropriate treatment. Compliance with the prescribed medication is crucial for successful outcomes. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers is necessary to monitor progress and address any complications.
How can we support our child during the treatment, and are there any long-term effects or complications to be aware of?
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- Supporting your child during Spinal Tuberculosis treatment involves ensuring they take their medications as prescribed, attending follow-up appointments, and maintaining a balanced diet for optimal recovery. It’s important to create a supportive and reassuring environment for the child. Long-term effects and complications can vary but may include residual spinal deformities, neurological deficits, or joint stiffness. However, with prompt and adequate treatment, the risk of severe complications is significantly reduced. Regular check-ups with the healthcare team will help monitor your child’s progress and address any emerging issues.
It’s crucial to note that specific medical advice and information should come from the child’s healthcare provider, as individual cases can vary, and the healthcare team will have the most accurate and personalized information about the child’s condition.
The doctors at the Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists Practice only treat children. As such, our doctors have become experts with children and adolescents and treat their bodies and spinal tuberculosis. We urge parents to bring their children to us to ensure proper treatment and healing.
Diagnosis
Doctors may find Spinal tuberculosis challenging to diagnose because the symptoms can mimic other spinal conditions. However, there are several steps that a doctor will typically take to diagnose the disease. These include:
- Medical history: The doctor will start by asking the patient about their medical history. The doctor will include any previous tuberculosis infections or exposure to the disease.
- Physical exam: The doctor will perform a physical exam to assess the patient’s range of motion. The exam will look for signs of spinal deformity, and check for tenderness or swelling in the affected area.
- Imaging tests: To confirm spinal tuberculosis, the doctor will typically order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. These tests can show the extent of spinal damage and help the doctor identify any abscesses or swelling.
- Laboratory tests: The doctor may order laboratory tests such as blood tests and sputum tests. The doctor may also order a biopsy of the affected area to check for the presence of tuberculosis bacteria.
- Tuberculin skin test: The doctor may perform a tuberculin skin test to check for the exposure to tuberculosis bacteria. This involves injecting a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) under the skin and checking for a reaction.
- PPD Blood Test: Quantiferon-TB Gold Test (QFT-GIT) can also be used to detect the presence of tuberculosis bacteria in the blood.
- Spinal fluid analysis: If there is a suspicion that tuberculosis has spread to the brain or spinal cord, a spinal fluid analysis can be conducted.
Based on the results of these tests, the doctor can confirm a diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis. With the diagnosis, the doctor can develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment usually involves a combination of anti-tuberculosis medications, immobilization, and sometimes surgery.
Spinal Tuberculosis Treatment
Non-surgical treatment options for spinal tuberculosis include a long-term course of antibiotics. Long term typically means 9-12 months, to kill the bacteria causing the infection. The antibiotics used in the treatment of this disease are different than other forms of tuberculosis. The treatment may require a combination of multiple antibiotics to effectively eradicate the bacteria.
Other non-surgical treatments include:
- rest
- physical therapy
- pain management to manage symptoms and improve mobility.
In cases where spinal tuberculosis has caused deformities or is at risk of causing paralysis, doctors will recommend surgery. Surgery may involve removing the infected tissue and stabilizing the spine with metal plates or rods. In cases where there is a spinal deformity, surgery may involve a spinal fusion to correct the deformity and stabilize the spine.
In some cases, surgery may also be used to drain any abscesses or fluid collections that have formed in the spine as a result of the infection. The choice of surgical or non-surgical treatment options for spinal tuberculosis will depend on the severity of the infection and the individual needs of the patient. A healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on a thorough evaluation of the patient’s condition.
Recovery
Recovery time for spinal tuberculosis depends on the severity of the infection and the extent of damage to the spine. Antibiotic treatment may take several months to a year, and surgery may require a longer recovery period. It is important to follow the treatment plan recommended by a healthcare provider and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor progress and ensure proper healing.
Spinal tuberculosis can be categorized into two types: non-neurological and neurological.
- Non-neurological spinal tuberculosis affects the bones and joints of the spine, while
- Neurological spinal tuberculosis affects the spinal cord and nerves.
Non-neurological spinal tuberculosis typically presents with back pain, stiffness, and swelling, and may progress to cause a deformity of the spine. Neurological spinal tuberculosis, on the other hand, may cause numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty walking, and loss of bladder or bowel control.
Prevention Measures
Prevention measures for spinal tuberculosis include maintaining good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding overcrowded living conditions. Also, vaccinations for tuberculosis are also available, and it is important to get regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor for signs of infection.
Why Choose Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists
Orthopedics is a specialty of our doctors and surgeons at Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists. They understand your concerns and can answer your questions regarding your child’s condition. Their excellence allows them to use their specialized knowledge and training to find a medical solution. Richard Hostin, MD, Shyam Kishan, MD, and Kathryn Wiesman, MD, specialize in children and are considered to be the very best by many children’s doctors.
Patients choose Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists because of their excellence. Secondary reasons are as follows:
- Cutting-edge technology: Our practice uses the latest technology and techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. In addition, we use minimally invasive procedures that reduce pain and promote faster recovery.
- Comprehensive care: Our practice offers a full range of services, from diagnostic imaging and physical therapy to surgery. We ensure that patients receive complete, seamless care for their spinal conditions.
Our board-certified physicians and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons use the full range of treatments to treat their patients. Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists are medical experts with offices in Arlington, Dallas, Flower Mound, Frisco, and McKinney, TX, and offer cutting-edge technology, comprehensive care, and dedicated facilities to ensure the best possible care for their patients. Call today to make an appointment for your child.
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Call 214-556-0590 to make an appointment.