Spinal TB Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Spinal TB, or often referred to as TB spondylitis, is a tuberculosis infection that attacks the spine. Usually, the vertebrae that are affected are the thoracic and lumbar (in the lower back area).
Bone tuberculosis can not only attack the spine but can also attack the hips and knees. Indonesia is one of the countries with the most bone tuberculosis sufferers in the world.
Symptoms
The initial symptom of spinal tuberculosis is back pain which is getting worse day by day. Other symptoms are intermittent fever, excessive sweating at night, weight loss, and the back looks more and more hunched.
In severe infections, paralysis or other nervous disorders can also occur.
Reason
The cause of spinal tuberculosis is due to infection with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Generally, the infection initially attacks the lungs, then the germs spread to the blood vessels and reach the spine.
People with low immune systems, malnutrition, and people with HIV / AIDS are known to be more susceptible to this disease.
Diagnosis
To determine whether there is bone TB disease, it is necessary to do an examination to detect the presence of TB bacteria in the body. These examinations include checking the sedimentation rate and the Mantoux examination (by injecting tuberculosis germs under the skin of the arm).
In addition, an x-ray examination of the spine was also carried out. However, in nearly 50% of cases, the X-ray results are normal. The main examination to see the condition of the spine is an MRI of the spine.
If it is proven that there is spinal TB, the doctor will recommend a chest X-ray and sputum examination to find out if there is TB infection in the lungs, which is usually the source of TB spread to the spine.
Treatment
Bone tuberculosis treatment consists of administering antituberculosis drugs and surgery. Treatment using OAT must be done to kill the bacteria that cause TB.
Antituberculosis drugs (OAT) are generally taken for at least one year. In addition, if the bacteria progressively invade the spine, surgery is necessary to stop the progression of the bone infection and keep the spinal structure normal.
Prevention
To prevent spinal tuberculosis, the following needs to be done:
- BCG immunization when the baby is two months old
- Eat nutritious foods (carbohydrates, vegetables, protein, fruit) on a regular schedule
- Avoid contact with TB sufferers