Tuberculosis of Spine: A rare presentation case report and treatment protocol

Abstract

Spinal tuberculosis (ST), or Pott’s disease, was first described by Sir Percival Potts in 1779, albeit lacking a deep understanding of its etiology or pathophysiology. It was only after several years that the basis of ST was discovered to be the bacteria currently known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. ST represents less than 1% of the total of cases of TB and accounts for 10% of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. In this case report we present the case of a middle aged man with symptoms mimicking prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc with neurological deficit. Due to progressive neurology, the patient was managed with emergency surgery.