infection in TB; hips and knees are also often affected. The lower thoracic and upper
lumbar vertebrae are the areas of the spine most often affected.
S/S: Symptoms
Signs
Extrapulmomary tuberculosis
The infection spreads from two adjacent vertebrae into the adjoining disc space
back pain, fever, night sweats, anorexia, weight loss, and easy fatigability.
Vertebral narrowing
Vertebral collapse
Spinal damage
POTT’S DISEASE
• TLC: Leucocytosis.
• ESR: raised during acute stage.
• Strongly positive.
• Negative test does not exclude diagnosis.
• Transparency: turbid.
• Colour: creamy.
• Consistency: cheesy.
• Fibrin clot: large.
• Mucin clot: poor.
• WBC: 25000/cc.mm.
Histology
X-Ray spine
Early:-
Late:-
• Destruction of bone.
• Wedge-shaped deformity (collapse of vertebrae anteriorly).
• Bony ankylosis.
Complications
Drug treatment is generally sufficient for Pott’s disease, with spinal immobilization if required. Surgery is
required if there is spinal deformity or neurological signs of spinal cord compression.
It may also be necessary to immobilize the area of the spine affected by the disease, or the person may
need to undergo surgery in order to drain any abscesses that may have formed or to stabilize the spine.
Other interventions include application of knight/ taylor brace, head halter traction. Surgery includes ADSF (
Anterior decompression Spinal fusion).
• Bed rest.
• Immobilisation of affected joint by splintage.
• Nutritious, high protein diet.
• Drainage of abscess.
• Surgical decompression.
• Physiotherapy.