Abstract: Introduction: Spinal tuberculosis the most common site of skeletal TB affects predominantly the thoracolumbar spine. Rest and anti-tubercular drugs remain the mainstay treatment of Pott’s spine. Early instrumentation serves as adjunct to ATT by providing stability and pain relief thereby assisting in early mobilization and overall improvement in quality of life.
Material and methods: 20 cases of active Pott’s spine early in the course of disease with excruciating pain and functional restrictions on ATT were included in our study. They were subjected to posterior stabilization with pedicle screws and connecting rod system without fusion. Few cases were subjected to direct decompression because of large abscess causing compression. All patients were followed up for a minimum duration of 12 months.
Results and observation: All patients had significant pain relief in the early postoperative period. Mobilization was started as early as one week following surgery. The mean kyphotic angle improved from 28º to 10.5º following surgery in 9 cases. Also, there was no progression of kyphotic deformity or neuro-deficit in any of the cases.
Conclusion: Early mobilization can be provided by posterior stabilization in cases of active spinal TB which improves the quality of life as well as the psychological state of the patients. Deformity correction is significant enough with posterior stabilization. Instrumented stability not only helps better penetration of drug delivery, also prevents the progression of deformity and relieves pain helping in better nursing care. This surgery also helps in confirmation of diagnosis by biopsy.
