What Is TB Spine (Pott’s Disease)? TB spine starts elsewhere (usually the lungs). Bacteria travel via blood to vertebrae and discs, slowly destroying bone. Early sign: persistent backache often mistaken for a mattress or chair problem. Left untreated, collapsing bone and compressed nerves can cause serious, permanent damage. Caught early, it responds well to treatment.
Typical Presentation Symptoms — Early
Symptoms — Late
Risk Factors
Dull ache, stiffness, low fever, night
Leg weakness, numbness, walking
Poor nutrition, HIV/low immunity,
sweats, weight loss; worse when lying
difficulty, visible spinal hump — signs
prolonged illness, and crowded living
flat.
of nerve compression.
conditions.
How TB Spine Reaches the Spine Bacteria from lung or lymph-node infection enter the bloodstream and lodge in vertebrae and intervertebral discs. They slowly erode bone and soft tissue, creating abscesses or instability that can pinch nerves.
Diagnosis — First Steps Essential tests •
MRI to assess bone, discs, and neural compression
•
TB-specific tests (microbiology/CBNAAT where indicated)
•
Chest screening for active pulmonary TB
Early MRI + clinical triad (night-worse pain, fever, weight loss) prompts urgent evaluation — waiting risks nerve function.
Mainstay Treatment: Anti-Tubercular Therapy TB spine is treated primarily with anti-tubercular drugs for 9–12 months (sometimes longer). The common pitfall is stopping treatment when pain eases — completing the full course is critical for cure.
Supportive Care: Bracing & Rehabilitation A brace stabilises the spine while infection resolves. Rest is phased out gradually — walking and activity return in stages. Physiotherapy and close follow-up aid recovery and monitoring.
When Is Surgery Needed? Indications
Approach
Severe neural compression, spinal instability, large abscess,
Surgery focuses on decompressing nerves, draining
or progressive deformity despite medical therapy.
abscesses, and stabilising the spine. Most patients avoid surgery with timely medical care.
Prognosis & Outcomes Early-treated patients usually retain walking ability and recover well. Improvement with existing weakness is possible, but depends on how long nerves were compressed. Spine TB can cause paralysis if ignored — timely action is crucial.
Why Choose Dr. Sumit Badhwar Credentials & Experience
Integrated Care
Personalised Planning
MCh Orthopaedics, MBBS (King
Digital X-ray, on-site blood collection,
Treatment is planned after MRI and
George’s Medical College), DNB
and physiotherapy make monitoring
nerve assessment: medicines and
Orthopaedics — 15+ years practice in
and rehab seamless under one roof.
bracing first; surgery only if the cord
Noida.
is at risk.
Practical FAQs & Next Steps Is spine TB curable?
Is it contagious?
Typical treatment duration
Yes — with early detection and
Spine TB itself does not spread; active
Most patients need 9–12 months;
completion of the full medicine
pulmonary TB can — chest screening
scans and recovery guide final length.
course.
is important.
If back pain persists for weeks or comes with fever or weakness, see an orthopaedic specialist. Book an appointment at Bone & Joint Clinic Noida: +91 99 586 11 221.