Surgical Treatment of Spinal Tuberculosis Complicated with Extensive Abscess

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) of the spine (Pott’s spine) can involve the spine from the craniovertebral junction to the sacrum. Pott’s spine can lead to acute or immediate problems like pain, restriction of movements, compression of the surrounding structures due to the extensive abscess formation and/or delayed sequel leading to deformity, neurological compromise and instability of varying degrees. Effective medical treatment occasionally fails to control the extensive abscess formation, and surgical intervention is needed not only to deal with the abscess but also to avoid or correct the development of spinal deformity and to prevent compressive myelopathy as well as spinal instability. The present chapter will cover the surgical management of spinal TB complicated with an extensive TB abscess and also discuss the treatment of its sequel.