Successful surgical management of cervical tuberculous spondylitis with tetraparesis in a 17-year-old patient: A case report

Abstract

Cervical tuberculous spondylitis is a rare and potentially life-threatening manifestation of spinal tuberculosis, accounting for only 3%-5% of all cases of spinal tuberculosis This report describes a case of a 17-year-old male patient who developed tetraparesis 2 weeks prior to hospital admission, after a 6-month record of progressive neck pain. Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed tuberculous spondylodiscitis involving multiple vertebrae, with a severe spinal cord compression at C2-C3 due to an intraosseous abscess and paravertebral soft tissue mass. The patient underwent anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion at C3 with autologous iliac bone graft and anterior stabilization. Post-operatively, he received anti-tuberculosis drug regimen for 12 months and followed a structured rehabilitation program. The patient's motor function improved from 2/5 to 5/5, with full recovery within 12 months post-operatively. This case emphasizes the significance of early diagnosis, comprehensive radiological evaluation, and timely surgical intervention in managing cervical tuberculous spondylitis with neurologic deficits.