Surgeries for Spinal Tuberculosis and Thoracic Myelopathy

Spinal Tuberculosis and thoracic myelopathy are two distinct yet significant conditions that can greatly affect an individual's spinal health. Spinal tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the spine, while thoracic myelopathy refers to dysfunction of the spinal cord in the thoracic region. In severe cases, surgical intervention becomes crucial for stabilizing the spine, relieving pressure on neural structures, and restoring function. 

Common Conditions Treated By The Department

The department specializing in Surgeries for Spinal Tuberculosis and Thoracic Myelopathy typically focuses on treating specific and severe spinal conditions, primarily:

• Spinal Tuberculosis (TB): Also known as Pott's disease, this is a form of tuberculosis that affects the spine, leading to severe back pain, deformities, and potential paralysis due to the involvement of the spinal cord. Surgical intervention is often required when there is significant bone destruction, spinal instability, abscess formation, or neurological impairment.
• Thoracic Myelopathy: This condition refers to the compression of the spinal cord in the thoracic region (mid-back). It can be caused by various factors, including spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), herniated discs, tumors, or degenerative changes in the spine. Surgery is typically indicated when there is significant compression of the spinal cord leading to symptoms like pain, weakness, numbness, and difficulty in walking.

Common Procedures

• Debridement Surgery for Spinal Tuberculosis: This involves the surgical removal of tuberculous abscesses, necrotic tissue, and infected bone to prevent the spread of infection and alleviate pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It's often combined with stabilization procedures.
• Spinal Fusion for Tuberculosis-Related Instability: After debridement, spinal fusion is often performed to stabilize the affected segments of the spine. This might involve the use of bone grafts and spinal instrumentation, such as rods and screws.
• Anterior Decompression for Thoracic Myelopathy: When compression of the spinal cord is anterior (towards the front of the body), surgeons may perform an anterior decompression to remove the compressive elements, which may include disc material, bone spurs, or tumors.
• Posterior Decompression for Thoracic Myelopathy: If the compression is posterior (towards the back), a laminectomy or other forms of posterior decompression may be performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
• Thoracic Laminectomy: This procedure involves removing part or all of the vertebral bone (lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord in the thoracic region.
• Instrumentation and Fusion for Thoracic Myelopathy: In addition to decompression, stabilization of the spine through instrumentation (rods, screws) and fusion may be necessary, especially if there is spinal instability or significant deformity.
• Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty for Spinal Fractures: In cases where spinal tuberculosis or thoracic myelopathy has led to vertebral fractures, these minimally invasive procedures may be used to stabilize the spine.
• Corrective Surgery for Spinal Deformities: Spinal tuberculosis can lead to severe spinal deformities, which may require complex corrective surgeries to restore alignment and balance to the spine.
• Epidural Abscess Drainage: In cases where spinal tuberculosis leads to the formation of an epidural abscess, surgical drainage might be required to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord.
• Reconstructive Surgeries: Following extensive debridement or decompression, reconstructive surgeries may be necessary to restore the structural integrity of the spine and protect the spinal cord.

Key Advantages

• Neurological Improvement: Surgery for spinal tuberculosis and thoracic myelopathy aims to restore neurological function, potentially leading to improved mobility, strength, and sensation.
• Pain Relief: By decompressing neural structures and stabilizing the spine, surgery can significantly reduce pain associated with these conditions.
• Restoration of Stability: Surgery aims to restore stability to the spine, preventing further damage or deformity.
• Improved Quality of Life: With restored spinal health, individuals often experience an overall improvement in their quality of life, allowing for a return to normal activities.

Call 011-42888888 to book an appointment with a specialist at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.