An Atypical Case of Tuberculosis of the Posterior Elements of T2 and T3 without Involvement of the Vertebral Bodies

Abstract

Even with symptoms of spinal cord compression, some patients with TB infection of the posterior elements of vertebrae can be managed medically without surgery.

Pott's Disease: An Emerging Source of Potentially Inappropriate Treatment

“…Spinal tuberculosis in children is uncommon and the main involvement of the posterior elements is a rare and atypical finding. 1,3,4 Both clinical presentation, including back pain and insidious onset of compressive myelopathy symptoms, and radiological features do not appear characteristic of infection and may mimic extradural malignancies. 3 We highlight the importance of suspecting this disorder in children with both nonspecific systemic and neurological symptoms to reach a timely diagnosis for appropriate and targeted intervention, avoiding the risk of overtreatment and malpractice claims.…”