Evaluation of Spondylodiscitis Cases Caused By Tuberculosis

Abstract

GirişTuberculose spondylodiscitis constitute approximately 1-5% of all TB patients. Lower thoracic and upper lumbar vertebrae are most affected vertebras. In this practice, we evaluated the tuberculosis spondylodiscitis cases who were admitted to our clinic. Material and Method:Twelve patients with tuberculosis spondylodiscitis, who were admitted to our clinic in May 2007 and December 2011, are evaluated.Results: Six male and six female patients were included to the study. The mean age of patients is 57±19. Complaints such as fever, night sweats and weight loss was observed in seven cases. We observed thoracic involvement in eight patients, lumbar involvement in three patients and cervical involvement in one patient. We observed spondylitis accompanied by discitis. Conclusion:A good history should be taken in patients who are suspected tuberculous spondylodiscitis. The diagnosis should be supported by clinical and laboratory findings. In these patients, appropriate radiological imaging method should be implemented without delay. Thus, the patients can receive early diagnosis, the treatment can be initiated earlier and morbidity rates can be reduced.