Atypical Cervical Potts Spine with Multiple Level Epidural Collection: A Case Series of Three Patients

J Orthop Case Rep. 2023 Oct;13(10):115-120. doi: 10.13107/jocr.2023.v13.i10.3958.

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical Pott's constitutes about 10% of all Pott's spine cases. In tuberculous spondylitis, initially there occurs destruction of vertebral bodies and further progression may result in adjacent abscesses, leading to cord compression. Objective is to excise the diseased focus and to provide spinal stability.

Case report: We are presenting 3 rare cases of cervical Pott's spine with epidural collection at multiple levels in the cervical region without significant vertebral body destruction that were followed up for a period of 1 year postoperatively. Patients underwent single-level corpectomy and decompression from anterior aspect. In all three cases, we were able to decompress the cord and remove all the collections and also achieved spinal stabilization. Patients had a gradual and complete recovery of motor power within 6 months to 1 year after surgery.

Conclusion: Technique used allows accurate visual assessment of the extent of the disease and allows complete decompression of the cord at multiple levels in cervical spine without causing much instability.

Keywords: Antituberculosis therapy; Pott’s spine; cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification testing; epidural abscess; feeding tube.