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Dr. Nitish Agarwal logo Dr. Nitish AgarwalSpine Surgeon · Pune

Spine TB and Spine Infection Treatment in Pune

Spine TB is curable when treated early.

Spine TB (Pott's spine) and other spine infections cause long-lasting back pain, fever and weight loss. With early diagnosis and the full course of medicines, most patients recover completely.

At a glance

Main symptomBack pain with fever
DiagnosisMRI and biopsy
TreatmentAnti-TB medicines
SurgeryFor weakness or deformity

Your exact plan depends on your MRI and examination.

Dr. Nitish Agarwal explaining spine TB treatment to a patient

Your MRI, explained in simple words

Send it on WhatsApp before your visit

Understanding the problem

What is spine TB?

Spine TB, also called Pott's spine, is tuberculosis infection of the spine bones and discs. It is still common in India and often starts slowly, so it can be missed for months.

Other bacteria can also infect the spine (spondylodiscitis), especially in diabetics or after surgery. Untreated infection can destroy the bones, cause a hump (kyphosis) and press on the spinal cord.

Common causes

  • TB bacteria spreading from the lungs or elsewhere
  • Low immunity, diabetes or malnutrition
  • Close contact with a person who has TB
  • Bacterial infection after surgery or an injection
  • Long-term steroid use

Symptoms

Signs of spine TB and infection

  • Back pain that does not settle for weeks
  • Evening fever and night sweats
  • Weight loss and loss of appetite
  • A visible hump or bend in the back
  • Weakness or numbness in the legs in advanced cases
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See a doctor urgently if

  • Weakness in the legs or difficulty walking
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Rapidly increasing hump or pain
Call +91 89837 65040

Treatment, step by step

How Dr. Nitish treats spine TB and infection

The simplest treatment that can work comes first. Surgery is advised only when it is really needed.

Step 1

Diagnosis

MRI, blood tests and a CT-guided biopsy to confirm the infection.

Step 2

Medicines (ATT)

The full course of anti-TB medicines, usually for 12 months or more.

Step 3

Brace and nutrition

A spine brace, good nutrition and regular follow-up scans.

Step 4

Surgery if needed

Decompression, cleaning of the infection and fixation for weakness or deformity.

Read more →

Questions patients ask

Spine TB: your questions

Have a question about your own MRI? Send it on WhatsApp and the clinic will guide you.

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Is spine TB curable?

Yes. With early diagnosis and the full course of anti-TB medicines, most patients recover completely. Stopping medicines early is the biggest risk.

Does spine TB always need surgery?

No. Most patients are cured with medicines alone. Surgery is needed for nerve weakness, spine instability, a large abscess or deformity.

Is spine TB contagious?

Spine TB itself usually does not spread to others. If there is also TB in the lungs, the doctor will advise precautions for the family.

How long is spine TB treatment?

Usually 12 to 18 months of medicines, with regular blood tests and MRI checks to confirm healing.

Dr. Nitish Agarwal, Consultant Spine Surgeon

Your surgeon

Dr. Nitish Agarwal, Consultant Spine Surgeon

MBBS, Orthopaedics, Fellowship in Spine Surgery · MMC Reg. No. 2013103163 · 15+ years, 5000+ spine surgeries

About Dr. Nitish

Treatments for this condition

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