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Spinal tuberculosis, also known as Pott’s disease, is a rare yet serious condition where tuberculosis infects the spine. Unlike the more common form of tuberculosis that affects the lungs, spinal tuberculosis starts outside the lungs and spreads through the bloodstream to the vertebrae. It typically causes a combination of bone infection and arthritis, affecting multiple vertebrae.
How Does Spinal Tuberculosis Develop?
Spinal tuberculosis occurs when tuberculosis bacteria from an infection elsewhere in the body—like the kidneys or lymph nodes—travel to the spine. The infection primarily targets the bones and joints in the spine, causing inflammation and discomfort. The most commonly affected regions are the lower thoracic (mid-back) and upper lumbar (lower back) vertebrae, with around 40-50% of cases involving the lower thoracic spine and 35-45% affecting the lumbar spine. Although rarer, about 10% of cases involve the cervical spine (neck).
Key Symptoms of Spinal Tuberculosis
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible:
Localized Tenderness: Pain or tenderness in the spine, especially when touched or pressed.
Muscle Spasms: Sudden, involuntary muscle contractions in the back that can be painful and hard to control.
Restricted Movement: Difficulty bending, twisting, or moving the spine, which may lead to stiffness.
Spinal Deformities: In advanced cases, the infection can cause spinal deformities such as a hunchback (kyphosis).
Neurological Issues: If the infection spreads, it may affect the spinal cord or nerves, causing numbness, weakness, or in severe cases, paralysis.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Tuberculosis
Diagnosing spinal tuberculosis usually involves a combination of physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to check the extent of the infection. Once diagnosed, treatment often involves anti-tuberculosis medications to fight the infection. These medications typically need to be taken for several months to ensure the infection is completely eradicated. In some cases, surgery may be required to address severe spinal deformities or nerve compression caused by the infection.
Why Early Detection Matters
Spinal tuberculosis can be serious if left untreated, leading to long-term complications such as spinal deformities, nerve damage, and chronic pain. Therefore, early detection and treatment are crucial for a full recovery.
Expert Care by Dr. Manojkumar Gaddikeri
If you are experiencing symptoms of spinal tuberculosis or any spinal issues, it’s important to seek the right medical care. Dr. Manojkumar Gaddikeri, a highly experienced and accomplished orthopaedic spine surgeon, specializes in diagnosing and treating spinal conditions like tuberculosis. Dr. Gaddikeri is committed to providing the best care for spine health.
If you suspect you have spinal tuberculosis or are experiencing spine-related problems, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Gaddikeri for expert consultation and personalized treatment.
Dr. Manojkumar Gaddikeri is a dedicated orthopedic spine surgeon with a wealth of expertise in treating complex spine conditions. After completing his MBBS at Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli, and securing a top rank in both the NEET Post Graduate exam and KCET, he went on to earn a Master’s degree in Orthopaedics from the prestigious Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital in Mumbai.
Dr. Gaddikeri further honed his skills with advanced training under the ASSI Spine Fellowship Program at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, specializing in the most modern techniques for diagnosing and treating spine conditions. As a gold medalist in the Fellowship program, he has mastered the latest advancements in spinal surgery, including minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) and spinal deformity correction.
With years of experience and extensive academic research, Dr. Gaddikeri’s comprehensive approach to spine health blends cutting-edge technology with compassionate care. He is committed to providing personalized care to patients, using the least invasive techniques whenever possible to achieve optimal outcomes.
Dr. Gaddikeri is also an academic researcher with multiple national and international publications in leading spine surgery journals. His research work focuses on improving the long-term outcomes of complex spine surgeries and understanding the nuances of spine pathology.
He has presented his findings at prestigious international forums, including the Global Spine Congress (Paris & Las Vegas), WIROC Mumbai, BSSCON, and ASSICON. Dr. Gaddikeri’s contributions to the field of orthopedic spine surgery continue to be highly regarded by both peers and patients alike.
Dr. Gaddikeri’s commitment to advancing spine surgery goes beyond his clinical practice. He has actively participated in numerous scientific conferences and workshops globally, including:
His research has been featured in well-known journals, including the European Spine Journal, Surgical Neurology International, and the Asian Journal of Neurosurgery. Dr. Gaddikeri is also the author of several influential papers on spine surgery, such as studies on cervical spine fractures, spinal tuberculosis, vertebral artery injuries, and spinal disc herniations.
