Cervical Spine Tuberculosis

Cervical spine TB is the most common inflammatory cervical disorder. Spinal TB ranks first among osteoarticular TB at 40-50%; cervical spine involvement is uncommon at only 2.2-6.3%. Cervical TB can cause cord compression leading to high-level paraplegia and severe disability, so early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are important. It is most common in children and adolescents, decreasing with age, and relates to host immunity.

Common Symptoms

Dyspnea; spinal cord compression; neck stiffness; night sweats; fatigue; low fever; paraplegia; hyperreflexia; sensory disturbance

Causes and Pathogenesis

Bacilli reach vertebral bodies mainly via arteries, rarely retrograde via veins or lymphatics. When resistance declines, embolic foci develop. About 90% have a single vertebral focus; a few have multiple. Intervertebral discs have no blood supply, so primary disc TB does not occur, though discs are easily destroyed.

Treatment

Drug therapy, surgical treatment, rehabilitation

Preventive Measures

Prevention requires thorough treatment of the primary focus to prevent spread to the cervical spine. Established cervical TB needs early diagnosis and treatment to shorten the course, reduce disability, and prevent deformity. After cure, maintain nutrition, avoid overwork, and preserve resistance to reduce recurrence. Since most cervical TB is secondary to respiratory or digestive TB, prevention hinges on the primary disease. 1. Strengthen control organizations as incidence rises. 2. Exercise to protect susceptible groups; especially elderly, children, and immunocompromised; vaccinate with BCG. 3. Eliminate sources by early treatment of open pulmonary, intestinal, osteoarticular, renal, or lymph node TB. 4. Block transmission through disinfection, isolation, and proper disposal of excreta.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Orthopedic Surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.