|  | Conditions Treatments | Back Pain

Spondylitis TB Treatment

Tuberculosis Spondylitis (or Pott's disease) refers to the infection of the spine by tuberculosis bacteria. This infection can cripple the function of the spine and spread to other areas of the body. The destruction of the bones and disks of the vertebrae can lead to spinal deformities, neurological complications or kyphosis (a hunched back). Fortunately, modern medicine has given us several ways to treat this debilitating condition.

  1. Nonsurgical treatment

    • Spondylitis TB was formerly treated with a full-body cast and complete immobilization. This was before great strides were made in the field of tuberculosis medicine. Nowadays a patient with this disease will begin a course of chemotherapy for six to nine months. The drugs used in this therapy include rifampin and isoniazid. This treatment eliminates the tuberculosis bacteria that had begun to cripple the spinal cord. While some damage may be permanent, some normal spinal function should return after the bacteria hae been eradicated. Physical therapy may be recommended to facilitate the return of healthy posture and spine structure.

    Indications for Surgery

    • Certain symptoms or pre-existing conditions may increase a patient's need for surgery. These include brain damage, lack of response to chemotherapy and significant spinal cord deformity. If a patient meets any of these conditions, a physician may likely suggest surgery.

    After Surgery

    • The surgery to correct the vertebral symptoms of Pott's disease is called focal debridement. This procedure involves the cauterization of dead or diseased tissue and mechanical realignment of the spinal cord. When done in children, this surgery shows great promise; as the spine is still growing, spinal disk fusion will now occur in the correct alignment, possibly eliminating future symptoms. The patient, under general anesthesia, feels no pain. After the surgery, the patient will likely feel back discomfort for a few weeks or months. Pain medications will be prescribed to alleviate this symptom. Following surgery, the physician will provide a back brace for maintaining the desired spinal alignment. This is usually worn for a few months, depending on the severity of the spinal correction.

Back Pain - Related Articles