Instability treatment due to upper cervical tuberculous spondylitis

Area of Science:

• Spine Surgery
• Infectious Diseases
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Upper cervical tuberculous spondylitis is a rare condition (0.3-1% of tuberculous spondylitis cases).
• It leads to greater destruction and morbidity compared to tuberculous spondylitis in other spinal regions.
• Cervical instability impairs load-bearing activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcome of surgical treatment for upper cervical tuberculous spondylitis.
• To report a case of a young male patient with C1-C2 and C6-C7 tuberculous spondylitis.

Main Methods:

• A 22-year-old male patient with severe neck pain for one year was treated.
• Surgical intervention included debridement, decompression, and posterior stabilization with fusion.
• An occipital plate, lateral mass, and long rods were utilized for fixation.

Main Results:

• The surgical approach yielded promising outcomes for upper cervical tuberculous spondylitis.
• The patient underwent sensorimotor exercises through physiotherapy to enhance functional recovery.

Conclusions:

• Debridement, decompression, and posterior stabilization with fusion using occipital plate, lateral mass, and rods provide an optimal treatment for upper cervical tuberculous spondylitis.
• This surgical technique leads to favorable functional outcomes.