TB Spine Surgeries

Spinal TB (Pott’s spine) is a destructive vertebral infection. It manifests as back pain and deformity, with risks of cord compression and resulting neurological paralysis.

While many patients respond well to anti-tubercular medicines, some develop complications that require surgical intervention. TB spine surgeries are advised when there is spinal instability, worsening nerve damage, abscess formation, or deformity that cannot be managed with medicines alone. These surgeries require careful planning and experienced surgical expertise to ensure safety and long-term recovery.

TB spine surgeries are specialised operations required when tuberculosis threatens to cause permanent paralysis. These procedures are vital when medications cannot act fast enough to stop the spine from collapsing. If the infection is allowed to destroy the vertebrae and crush the spinal cord, the damage may be irreversible. Surgery acts as a life-saving intervention by:

• Clearing away infected tissue that fuels the disease

• Lifting the dangerous pressure off the spinal cord
• Instantly stabilising the spine with metal implants

• Correcting severe bends in the back before they lock

These high-stakes operations must be performed by highly skilled orthopaedic spine surgeons or neurosurgeons with extensive experience in spinal infections.

Most cases of spinal TB respond well to timely medication. However, surgery is required if the disease worsens during treatment or if nerve function is at risk. Doctors use specific clinical markers to determine when a patient needs an operation rather than continuing with medication alone. Surgery is generally recommended for:

• Back pain that persists despite medical therapy

• Weakness, numbness, or signs of paralysis
• Visible spinal deformity or poor posture
• Bone destruction causing spinal instability
• Abscesses are putting pressure on the spinal cord
• Loss of bladder, bowel, or walking control

• The need for a tissue biopsy to confirm the diagnosis

Every surgical plan is carefully evaluated to ensure the benefits outweigh the potential complications.

Surgery is not mandatory for all spinal TB cases. Management is tailored to clinical data, imaging, and medication efficacy.

Suitability for surgery involves:

• Neurological deficits (limb weakness or numbness)

• Radiological evidence of spinal cord compression
• Vertebral collapse or mechanical instability
• Progression of spinal deformity
• Failure of anti-tubercular drug therapy

• Requirement of a diagnostic biopsy

Although TB spine surgery can be life-changing, it may not be suitable for everyone at a given time. Surgery may be postponed or avoided in patients who:

• Are medically unstable or have uncontrolled infections elsewhere

• Have severe heart or lung conditions, making surgery risky
• Have advanced TB that can be managed conservatively without complications

• Are not fit for anaesthesia at the time of evaluation

In such cases, doctors may first optimise the patient’s condition or continue non-surgical treatment.

Spinal TB procedures are carried out in a high-specification operating suite with intraoperative imaging. At Gleneagles Hospitals, we utilise a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, anaesthetists, and rehab experts to manage these complex cases.

Before the Surgery

• Standard preoperative workups are essential and include:

• Clinical history-taking and physical assessment
• Advanced imaging (MRI/CT) to evaluate vertebral involvement
• Blood tests to measure the systemic inflammatory response

• Evaluation of the patient’s response to anti-tubercular drugs

Patients undergo a briefing on the surgical process and recovery. They are usually asked to:

• Maintain a fasting state for several hours pre-surgery

• Report all known allergies and existing medical conditions

• Continue their anti-tubercular medicine according to the plan

During the Surgery

The surgical approach is determined by disease severity:

• Excision of infected bone or abscess material

• Decompression of the spinal cord and nerves
• Spinal stabilisation using rods, screws, or cages

• Feasible correction of spinal deformity

Under general anaesthesia, the procedure involves continuous monitoring of physiological vitals and neurological status throughout the surgery.

After TB Spine Surgery

Patients move to recovery or ICU after surgery. Key priorities involve managing pain levels, monitoring wound healing, and preventing infection.

Typical post-surgical outcomes:

• Short-term pain or stiffness at the surgery site

• Gradual recovery of nerve and muscle function

• Use of a support brace in specific cases

Rehabilitation and physiotherapy usually start quickly to restore mobility. Anti-tubercular treatment must continue as prescribed to stop the infection from returning. Depending on your general health and progress, you will likely remain in hospital for between three and seven days.

Like any significant back operation, TB spine surgery has potential risks. However, in the right hands and for the right patients, serious problems are uncommon.

Possible risks include:

• An infection where the cut was made

• Some bleeding during or after the operation
• A small risk of nerve injury
• Issues with the metalwork or implants used

• Wounds are taking a little longer to heal

At Gleneagles Hospitals, patients are carefully monitored to promptly identify and treat any issues.

Surgery aims to help you live a better, more active life without long-term disability. Benefits include:

• Taking away the pressure on your spinal cord

• Straightening or preventing a curve in your back
• Helping you move more easily again
• Lessening your pain and nerve symptoms

• Making your spine strong so it can heal safely

Combined with your medicine, surgery helps many people return to their daily lives feeling stronger and more comfortable.

Gleneagles Hospitals delivers an integrated approach to TB spine care, utilising advanced medical infrastructure. Our clinical offering includes:

• Surgeons experienced in debridement and spinal reconstruction

• Advanced MRI, CT, and histopathology diagnostic services
• Multidisciplinary Teams (MDT) involving pulmonologists and ID specialists
• Theatres equipped with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring

• Dedicated rehabilitation units for post-surgical physiotherapy

We provide clear, evidence-based guidance from the diagnostic phase through to full recovery.

TB spine surgery is considered when spinal tuberculosis leads to complications that cannot be managed with medicines alone. The procedure helps relieve pressure on nerves, stabilise the spine, and prevent long-term disability. When performed in the right patients and combined with appropriate medical therapy, spine surgeries for TB can significantly improve outcomes. At Gleneagles Hospitals, the decision to operate is made carefully, prioritising patient safety, recovery, and long-term health.