As a form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that impacts the spine, Pott's disease has an effect that is sometimes described as being a sort of arthritis for the vertebrae that make up the spinal column. More properly known as tuberculosis spondylitis, it was first named after Dr. Percivall Pott, an 18th century surgeon who was considered an authority in issues related to the back and spine.
Pott's disease is often experienced as a local phenomenon that begins in the thoracic section of the spinal column. Early signs generally begin with back pain that may seem to be due to simple muscle strain, but the symptoms will quickly begin to multiply. Night sweats may become common, along with a running a fever during the day. As the condition worsens, it is not unusual to experience a loss of appetite, resulting in an anorexic state and the resulting weight loss. There are also often periods in which there is a tingling or numb sensation in the legs, accompanied with a sense of not having much strength in them.
Fortunately, there are several ways to determine if tuberculosis spondylitis is the root cause of the symptoms. Blood tests can help determine if there is an elevation in the rate of erythrocyte sedimentation. A bone scan will determine if there is some indication of problems, which may lead to the scheduling of a bone biopsy. Conducting a CT scan as well as a radiograph of the spine is also likely to provide valuable information about the presence and current status of the disease.
Once the presence of Pott's disease is confirmed, there are several treatment options available. The first line of defense will involve the use of analgesics and various antituberculous drugs, which can help to arrest the progress of the disease, as well as begin to alleviate symptoms. In some cases, it may be necessary to insert a rod into the area of the spine, providing needed stability. This is often the case if some degree of spinal cord compression has been noted. More ambitious surgery may be required, especially in situations where there is a need to drain fluid from pockets or abscesses that have formed, or if conditions indicate impending collapse of the vertebrae in the spinal column.
