[Specific spondylitis]

Tuberculosis of the spine usually occurs with a latency period after primary infection with tuberculosis (TB) and the most frequent agent is Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The rate of TB has increased due to the impact of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and more than 50% of skeletal tuberculosis is localized in the spine. Spinal tuberculosis was discovered by Pott in 1776. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolineum is the most sensitive imaging method. Diagnostic accuracy is given by direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by punction or biopsy. Granuloma of the spine can lead to abscesses, severe spinal deformity with instability and potentially paraplegia. Chemotherapy is effective with a minimum duration of 6-12 months. In cases with neurological deficits and severe deformity there is an additional indication for surgical therapy. In the acute phase a posterior instrumentation, anterior debridement and reconstruction of the defect is indicated. After recovery of the spinal tuberculosis Pott's kyphosis could remain and operative correction can be managed by pedicle substraction osteotomy.