[Chronic spondylogenic pain syndrome--tb-spondylitis?]

The incidence of tuberculosis is increasing in many of the industrialized countries, mainly due to the spreading of HIV infections, the migration from countries with high prevalence of tuberculosis and possibly through the increase of the aged population. In 10 to 25% of the cases, tuberculosis manifests itself in extrapulmonary organs. One of the most frequent locations is the spine. The symptoms of the TB spondylitis are unspecific, and the course is creeping, which makes an early diagnosis difficult. Because of the frequent, severe complications, this must be attempted. In patients belonging to a risk group or with known exposition to tuberculosis and vertebral pain, the TB spondylitis must be included in the differential diagnosis. Combined chemotherapy is the key to successful therapy and can make surgical interventions or immobilization unnecessary. Two cases are presented, and the disease of the TB spondylitis is discussed.