The Surgical Management Of Cervical Spine Tuberculosis: Functional Result Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of CSTB (Cervical Spinal Tuberculosis) incidence is 2%–12%. The condition can cause cervical instability, neurological difficulties, invasion of the vertebral artery as well as nerve root, subtle onset, tiny cervical spinal canal cross-sectional diameter, medication resistance, and delayed diagnosis. The goal of our research is to assess the functional result following ACDF (Anterior Cervical Disc Fusion).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is retrospective research involving 20 patients with cervical spine tuberculosis aged 18-70 years. The study was conducted at Saveetha Medical College in Chennai, India, between May 2021 and May 2023. Individuals receiving anti-TB medication for cervical spine tuberculosis who had not previously had surgery, patients whose condition did not improve with conservative treatment, and patients whose neurological deficits were getting worse were all included in the study. Patients were checked every three, six, ten, fourteen, three, and six months.

RESULT:The study had a majority of male participants, accounting for 60%. A higher number of patients were aged between 21 and 30 (6 patients). 10 patients had a VAS score- 8, 2 patients had a VAS score- 9, whereas the rest had a VAS score- 7. All patients displayed elevated ESR and CRP levels before surgery. ESR and CRP levels normalized after the operation. No patients were lost to follow-up throughout the study period. 

CONCLUSION: Cervical spine TB should therefore be identified early and treated quickly. The trans-oral core needle biopsy can be used to obtain tissue for upper CSTB diagnosis. The posterior technique alone can adequately handle the majority of atlantoaxial CSTB. The posterior stabilization of atlanto -axial CSTB depends on the integrity of the C1 and C2 pedicles and lateral masses.