Cervicodorsal Pott's Spine with Acute Onset Paraplegia Managed by Transmanubrial Anterior Decompression and
Manish Kawade1, Dilipkumar Rajeshkumar Singh1, Akshay B Ingale1
1Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Introduction:
Cervical and cervicodorsal spinal tuberculosis is an uncommon presentation of Pott's spine but carries a high risk of neurological deterioration due to severe spinal canal compromise. Sudden-onset paraplegia without trauma is rare and represents an absolute indication for urgent surgical decompression. Adequate anterior exposure at the cervicodorsal junction may require an extended approach through the manubrium and sternum.
Case Report:
We present a rare case of cervicodorsal spinal tuberculosis in a 13-year-old male presenting with acute-onset paraplegia due to severe cord compression at the C7-T1 junction. The patient was successfully managed with urgent anterior decompression, T1 and T2 corpectomy, structural grafting, and anterior cervical plating through a transmanubrial approach, resulting in remarkable neurological recovery following combined surgical and antitubercular treatment.
Conclusion:
Pediatric cervicodorsal Pott's spine may present with sudden paraplegia without trauma or systemic symptoms. An extended anterior approach with manubriotomy facilitates adequate exposure and decompression. Early surgical intervention combined with antitubercular therapy results in favorable neurological outcomes.