European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Magnetic resonance images (MRI) fluid sign and intravertebral vacuum phenomenon of the plain radiograph are considered as the characteristic radiological findings for vertebral osteonecrosis after spinal fractures. We aim to study the association between the radiological and histopathologic findings of vertebral osteonecrosis through the use of an open retrieval of specimens. ⋯ MRI fluid sign is more predictable to diagnose vertebral osteonecrosis in operative case, especially within the initial 5 months after injury.
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The most dreaded neurological complications in TB spine occur in active stage of disease by mechanical compression, instability and inflammation changes, while in healed disease, these occur due to intrinsic changes in spinal cord secondary to internal salient in long standing kyphotic deformity. A judicious combination of conservative therapy and operative decompression when needed should form a comprehensive integrated course of treatment for TB spine with neurological complications. The patients showing relatively preserved cord with evidence of edema/myelitis with predominantly fluid collection in extradural space on MRI resolve on non-operative treatment, while the patients with extradural compression of mixed or granulomatous nature showing entrapment of spinal cord should be undertaken for early surgical decompression. ⋯ The internal kyphectomy is indicated for paraplegia with healed disease. These cases are bad risk for surgery and neural recovery. The best form of treatment of late onset paraplegia is the prevention of development of severe kyphosis in initial active stage of disease.
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Bone and joint tuberculosis has increased in the past two decades in relation with AIDS epidemics. ⋯ Spinal tuberculosis is still a relative common extra spinal manifestation of spinal tuberculosis that requires a high degree of suspicion in order to avoid neurological complications and need of surgery.
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The aim of this article has been to analyze the clinical and radiological data suggesting tuberculous vertebral osteomielitis (TVO), and then discuss the steps to be followed to achieve an aetiological diagnosis. ⋯ All patients with subacute inflammatory back or neck pain showing suggestive radiological findings should be studied to rule out TVO. If there is no clear evidence of tuberculosis from another location or indication for surgery, a percutaneous vertebral biopsy should be performed. When TVO is suspected, all spinal or paravertebral tissue samples should be sent simultaneously to pathology and microbiology laboratories for appropriate processing.