Spinal tuberculosis occurring after a closed bursting fracture of the vertebrae.

Abstract

Only 12 cases of musculoskeletal tuberculosis (TB) that occurred at the site of recent blunt trauma have been previously described. A 43-year-old previously healthy man experienced an uncomplicated bursting fracture at the L2 vertebra without any spinal tuberculosis (ST)-associated evidence. During the conservative treatment, he was in good physical condition with back pain totally subsiding and occasional ambulation in a spinal brace, whereas 7 months after the original trauma, he presented with a characteristic manifestation of ST at the same vertebra. Intraoperatively, biopsy confirmed ST of the L2 vertebra and radical debridement with an anterior fusion was performed. The patient received an 18-month course of anti-TB regimen. Excellent clinical outcomes were achieved. In developing countries, where TB is still widely prevalent, there must be a heightened awareness of the risk of ST at recently fractured vertebrae, as demonstrated in this case.