A Comparative Study of Diagnosis and Treatment of Pott's Spine Amongst Specialists and Super Specialists in India

Background and objective There is a paucity of guidelines about the diagnosis and management of Pott's spine. In this study, we report the pattern of practice of diagnosis and treatment of Pott's spine among the specialists and super-specialists in India. Subject and methods Response to a 22-item questionnaire regarding the diagnosis and treatment of Pott's spine has been reported. The responses were compared between medical and surgical specialists, residents and consultants, and specialists and super-specialists. There were 84 responders: 42 physicians and 42 surgeons; 48 residents and 36 faculty or consultants; 53 specialists and 31 super-specialists. Results Thirty-eight responders rarely recommended biopsy whereas others recommended biopsy more frequently, especially the surgeons (P Conclusion There is marked variation in investigations and treatment of Pott's spine patients, suggesting the need for consensus or evidence-based guidelines.