Sahyadri Hospitals Successfully Treats Rare Spinal Tuberculosis in 13-Year-Old Girl

Pune: Sahyadri Hospitals announced the successful treatment of a 13-year-old girl suffering from Pott’s Spine, a rare and severe form of spinal tuberculosis. The expert surgical team, led by Dr. Rajesh Parasnis, a spine surgeon at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana, delivered timely and precise care that resulted in the girl's full recovery within just three days.

The patient initially experienced progressive upper back pain for two months, starting with severe pain and tenderness in her upper back. Despite receiving anti-tubercular therapy (AKT) and bed rest at a government hospital in Pune, her condition worsened. Over the following weeks, her back pain intensified, ultimately resulting in paraplegia, as she lost the ability to move her lower limbs.

Upon her arrival at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Dr. Parasnis and his team promptly conducted a detailed evaluation. The diagnosis of Pott's Spine was confirmed through clinical examination, MRI scans, and an open biopsy. The team further employed the GeneXpert MTB test, a highly sensitive and accurate diagnostic method, to detect tubercle bacilli from the surgical site. The challenges of diagnosing this condition in a young patient were significant, but the girl's cooperation with the medical team at Sahyadri was crucial in managing her treatment.

Pott’s Spine, also known as spinal tuberculosis, is a rare manifestation of tuberculosis, more commonly associated with pulmonary TB. It generally develops as a secondary infection following lung tuberculosis. The condition has a higher incidence rate in urban areas, with 1.43 cases per 100,000 people, compared to 0.76 in rural regions. If not treated promptly, spinal TB can have severe consequences, including paraplegia, as observed in this case.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dr. Parasnis opted for immediate surgical intervention. He performed D1-D6 Dorsal Decompression, Debridement, and Pedicle Screw Fixation to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and stabilize the spine. The surgery was guided by O-arm Navigation and intra-operative neuro-monitoring, ensuring precision and safety.

“The situation demanded immediate surgery to decompress the spinal cord and prevent further neurological decline,” stated Dr. Parasnis. “Advanced surgical techniques played a pivotal role in achieving the best outcome for this young patient.”

Following surgery, the patient was closely monitored and underwent daily neurological assessments. After three days of initial recovery, she was fitted with a Taylor’s Brace and started physiotherapy, focusing on lower limb strengthening and respiratory exercises. By the fifth day, she could stand and walk with support, and by the fifteenth day, she was walking independently.

At her one-month follow-up, the patient had fully recovered, with no pain or neurological deficits. Dr. Parasnis emphasized the importance of early surgical intervention in spinal TB cases with spinal cord compression, noting that the multidisciplinary approach combining surgery, antibiotic therapy, and close monitoring was crucial for the successful outcome.