Pott’s Spine Leading to Compressive Myelopathy

The term “tuberculous spondylitis,” commonly referred to as “Pott’s disease,” describes intervertebral discitis and vertebral body osteomyelitis caused by tuberculosis (TB).[1] Musculoskeletal TB most frequently affects the spine, and symptoms like back discomfort and paralysis of the lower limbs are frequently present. A sizable number of extrapulmonary TB cases globally are caused by spinal TB, which is mostly brought on by Mycobacterium TB.[2] Pott’s spine is the outcome of the stealthy progression of TB to the spinal column, which causes vertebral degeneration and fragility [Figure 1]. Chronic back discomfort, spinal abnormalities, and, in more severe cases, neurological deficiencies are common features of Pott’s spine’s clinical presentation, which is frequently stealthy. This condition can strike anyone at any age, but teens and young adults are most frequently affected. A case that occurred recently with a 41-year-old lady exemplifies these nuances. She was admitted in the female surgery ward, and she represented symptoms indicative of bilateral weakness in lower limb and pain in upper and lower back. She was operated case of spinal fusion.Figure 1: Magnetic Resonance Imaging: (a) Reduced height of D2 vertebra noted with altered signal intensity noted in the body of D2 vertebra. Also bulge was noted extending posteriorly into the anterior epidural space causing its obliteration (yellow arrow) as suggestive of compressive myelopathy (blue arrow)[ 3 ] (b) Mild T2 STIR (Short tau inversion recovery) hyperintensity in body of D3 vertebra (orange arrow)[ 4 ]Patient’s consent The patient’s guardian has provided a comprehensive and thorough consent. The patient’s identity has been effectively anonymized. The journal will not assume responsibility for any legal or medical issues that may arise from concerns regarding the patient’s identity or any other matters associated with the public dissemination of the article. Ethical statement This study was conducted in adherence to the ethical principles outlined in the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki. According to local guidelines pertaining to single-patient reports, Institutional Review Board approval was not deemed necessary. The patient provided written, informed consent for the publication of both data and images, and this consent was formally documented through their signature. Declaration of patient consent The authors affirm that they have obtained all necessary patient consent forms. Within these forms, the patient(s) has/have granted consent for the publication of their images and other clinical information in the journal. The patients are aware that their names and initials will not be disclosed, and diligent measures will be taken to protect their identity. However, complete anonymity cannot be assured. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.