Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: With regards to an indistinguishable clinical presentation, the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis is usually deferred and the patients are treated for mechanical backache for erratic time duration. Spinal TB is usually handled by either a neurosurgeon or an orthopaedic surgeon. The present study was planned to understand the current treatment protocols of spinal tuberculosis by orthopaedicians and neurosurgeons. Material and Methods: A questionnaire-based study was designed that comprised of consultant orthopaedicians and neurosurgeons belonging to private hospitals and having a minimum five years of experience. The current practices in management of spinal tuberculosis regarding its clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment were evaluated. Results: 54 subjects were included in the study; 25 orthopaedic surgeons and 29 neurosurgeons. Majority of the respondents (88.9%) believed that the common age for spinal tuberculosis was second and third decades of life, and 80% reported a refractory back pain as the most common clinical finding. A histopathological assistance was used by 74% participants to aid in diagnosis. More than 50 percent of the participant began anti-tuberculosis therapy empirically on the basis of clinical, laboratory and radiological findings. Around 60% participants believed that surgery does not expedite recovery. Conclusion: It was concluded that a specified protocol for diagnosis and treatment planning for management of spinal tuberculosis must be laid down as diversified approaches may lead to possible development of resistant strains.
Key words: Neurosurgeons, Orthopaedicians, Tuberculosis.