Publication
[Tuberculous Spondylitis - Diagnosis and Management]
Journal Paper/Review - Aug 1, 2020
Stienen Martin N., Sprengel Kai, Butsch Raphael, Achermann Yvonne, Wolfensberger Aline, Regli Luca, Bellut David
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Print
Pages
Brief description/objective
Tuberculous Spondylitis - Diagnosis and Management Despite a decreasing incidence of tuberculosis (TB) over the last decades in Switzerland, the frequency of newly diagnosed tuberculous spondylitis has remained stable. It occurs most frequently in old, immunocompromised persons and/or persons who have moved to Switzerland from TB endemic areas. It is a chronic manifestation of TB, which is characterized by 'cold abscesses', neurological deficits and kyphotic spinal deformity. Tuberculous spondylitis is often diagnosed with a delay, which can lead to higher morbidity and treatment complexity. Antibiotic therapy is essential in tuberculous spondylitis. Surgical interventions aim to obtain samples, decompress nervous structures, obtain pain control and, if necessary, deformity correction/stabilization. This paper provides an overview of the modern diagnostic and therapeutic management of tuberculous spondylitis in Switzerland.