What is a Potts Spine?

Spinal Tuberculosis, also known as Pott’s Disease, is a spinal infection caused by tuberculosis that can lead to osteomyelitis, kyphotic deformity, and spinal mechanical instability.
Spinal Tuberculosis requires a course of treatment that may need to be administered in six months to a year.
Risk factors
  • Endemic tuberculosis.
  • Poor socio-economic conditions.
  • HIV infection.
  • Chest X-ray
  • Sputum cultures (to look for the presence of bacteria)
  • Blood culture
  • Tissue biopsy (to check for the possibilities of cancer)

Spinal tuberculosis symptoms and presentation

  • The onset is gradual.
  • Back pain is localised.
  • Fever, night sweats, anorexia and weight loss.
  • Signs may include kyphosis (common) and/or a paravertebral swelling.
  • Affected patients tend to assume a protective, upright, stiff position.
  • If there is neural involvement there will be neurological signs.

Diagnosis

  • Chest X-ray
  • Sputum cultures (to look for the presence of bacteria)
  • Blood culture
  • Tissue biopsy (to check for the possibilities of cancer)
Achievements
Dr. Vivek M. Agrawal has been associated with VIMS HOSPITAL as chief consultant Neurosurgeon/ Spine surgeon since its beginning. Till JULY 2022, he has performed more that 700 Brain and spine surgeries and seen more than 5500 OPD patients. He has been doing regular CMEs and free Camps for the patients benefit.
He is doing all kinds of brain and spine related surgeries including complex vascular surgeries, endoscopic surgeries, minimally invasive spine surgeries