Tuberculous Spondylitis
Tuberculous spondylitis, also called spinal tuberculosis or Pott disease, is tuberculosis infection affecting the bones and discs of the spine.
When to get help quickly: Prompt hospital review is important if back pain is persistent with fever or weight loss, or if there is weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking because the spinal cord may be at risk.
Common symptoms
Symptoms may include persistent back pain, fever, weight loss, night sweats, weakness, spinal deformity, or difficulty walking in more advanced cases.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps show which part of the spine is affected, whether there is abscess formation, bone destruction, spinal deformity, or pressure on the spinal cord.
What radiology does
X-rays may suggest the disease, but MRI and CT are especially important for showing the extent of infection, collections, and risk to the spinal cord.
What usually happens next
Management usually includes anti-tuberculosis medicines, specialist follow-up, and sometimes surgery if there is spinal instability, an abscess, or nerve compression.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.