Navigating Perioperative Challenges in Pott's Spine: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Pott's spine, or tuberculous spondylitis, remains a significant public health concern in regions where tuberculosis is endemic. The management of Pott's spine poses unique perioperative challenges due to the complexity of the disease process, including vertebral destruction, spinal instability, and neurological compromise. This comprehensive review explores the intricacies of navigating perioperative challenges in Pott's spine surgery. Beginning with an overview of Pott's spine, including its etiology, clinical presentation, and classification, the review delves into the significance of perioperative challenges in this condition. Emphasis is placed on the need for multidisciplinary collaboration, meticulous preoperative assessment, and tailored surgical planning to optimize outcomes while minimizing the risk of complications. Critical considerations in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of care are discussed in detail, including patient assessment, imaging modalities, surgical techniques, anesthesia considerations, and postoperative rehabilitation. Special considerations such as pediatric Pott's spine and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis are also addressed. The review concludes by summarizing key points, highlighting implications for clinical practice, and providing recommendations for future research. By synthesizing current evidence and clinical expertise, this review offers valuable insights into the optimal management of perioperative challenges in Pott's spine, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of this debilitating condition.

Keywords: multidisciplinary approach; perioperative challenges; pott’s spine; surgical management; tuberculosis; tuberculous spondylitis.

Figure 1. Etiology of Pott’s disease.

Image credit: Dr. Souvik Banik.