Spinal tuberculosis occurring after a closed bursting fracture of the vertebrae

Abstract

Introduction Only 12 cases of musculoskeletal tuberculosis (TB) that occurred at the site of recent blunt trauma have been previously described. Materials and methods 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. Results 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. Conclusion 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.