CURRENT CONCEPTS IN MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE KYPHOSIS IN SPINAL TUBERCULOSIS – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Spinal tuberculosis typically affects the vertebral bodies, resulting in various degrees of kyphosis. Children <10 years, thoraco-lumbar spine affliction, late presentation, vertebral loss >1.5 bodies and presence of spine at risk signs reasonably predict patients who are prone for worsening kyphosis during both active and healed stages of the disease. Untreated kyphosis is ominous as it can result in spinal fatigue, neurological deficit, cosmetic disfigurement, and respiratory insufficiency. Kyphosis greater than [Formula: see text] and presence of risk factors for worsening kyphosis are considered as indications for surgery in active tuberculosis. Different surgical methods have been described with their own merits and demerits. Currently, posterior approach with or without anterior reconstruction is considered the standard technique as it is safe, efficacious, convenient, and versatile.