Diseases and Conditions: Pott's Disease (TB of the spine) - signs and symptoms, treatment

TB (Tuberculosis) of Bones and Joints
- invasion of Koch's Bacilli; and are seen in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB)

Types of TB (Tuberculosis) of Bones and Joints

1. Human Type - inhalation of droplets from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
2. Bovine Type - ingestion from infected cows and birds

Predisposing Factors of TB (Tuberculosis) of Bones and Joints

• economic
• hereditary factor
  
• bad living condition
• overcrowded dwellings
• family history of tuberculosis

Common sites of TB (Tuberculosis) of Bones and Joints (adjacent)

• shoulder joint
• elbow joint
• ankle joint
• knee joint
• hip joint
• spine
  

Signs and symptoms of TB (Tuberculosis) of Bones and Joints

• low grade fever (afternoon)
• anorexia
• insomnia
• pain in motion
• diaphoresis (excessive sweating at night)
• irritability
• abscess and sinus formation
• pathological fracture
  
• loss of weight (muscle wasting)
• (+) PPD (purified protein derivative)

Management of TB (Tuberculosis) of Bones and Joints

• rest in bed
• exposure to fresh air and sunlight
• high protein diet
• increase fluid intake
• tuberculosis drugs

Pott's Disease or TB of the spine has the pathognomonic sign of "Gibbus Formation" - a hump or swelling or spinal curvature after a collapse of vertebral body.

Signs and Symptoms of Pott's Disease

• back pain
• pain in chest wall
  
• kyphosis
• swelling in retropharyngeal region
• stiff spine
• gait is erect
  
• patient dislike sitting

Management/Treatment of Pott's Disease

• anti-TB drugs
• treatment for TB patient
• Jewet and Taylor brace
• Head halter traction

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