ABSTRACT
Ramos-Remus et al (1993); Resnick & Kransdorf (2005), 425-33.
M o d u le 2 : M u sc u lo sk e le ta l a n d T ra u m a : A n sw
e rs
27) a. The musculoskeletal system is affected in only 1-3% of tuberculous infections, but the spine is the most common skeletal location affected, accounting for 50% of musculoskeletal tuberculosis. Tuberculous spondylitis (or Pott’s disease) can result in significant neurological sequelae. A history of pulmonary infection may or may not be present. The infection usually begins in the anterior vertebral body via haematogenous spread. The intervertebral discs are frequently involved, and the loose internal structure of the disc allows the infection to disseminate more widely, often resulting in paraspinal or psoas abscess. Calcification within the abscess is very specific for tuberculosis. The disease process often leads to vertebral collapse with gibbous deformity and obliteration of the disc space. However, elevation of the anterior ligaments by subligamentous abscess allows tracking superiorly and inferiorly, and classically spares the disc. Tuberculosis characteristically results in little reactive sclerosis or periosteal reaction, which helps to distinguish it from pyogenic infections.
