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Tuberculosis of the upper cervical spine.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Tuberculosis of the upper cervical spine can cause severe symptoms like paralysis and spinal instability. Effective treatment involves antibiotics, surgical decompression, and spinal fusion for a successful recovery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) can affect the spine, particularly the upper cervical region.
- Spinal TB can lead to significant neurological deficits and structural instability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of upper cervical spine tuberculosis.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a combined treatment approach.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of six patients with upper cervical spine TB.
- Treatment included antibiotics, transoral decompression, and C1-2 fusion.
Main Results:
- Patients presented with pain, stiffness, paralysis, retropharyngeal swelling, osteolytic erosions, and atlanto-axial subluxation.
- All patients achieved a cure with the implemented treatment regimen.
Conclusions:
- Upper cervical spine tuberculosis requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective management.
- Antibiotics combined with surgical intervention (decompression and fusion) can lead to successful outcomes.