Dorsolumbar junction spinal tuberculosis in an infant: case report.

Abstract

The treatment of spinal tuberculosis is a challenging and controversial problem. The authors present the rare case of an 8-month-old infant with dorsolumbar junction tuberculosis. The child did not sit or stand and a hump was noted on his back. Radiological evaluations demonstrated destruction by a tuberculous abscess of the T-12 and L-1 vertebral bodies, extending into the psoas muscles and spinal canal. In addition to medical therapy, radical debridement and grafting were performed via an anterolateral approach. The follow-up period was 2 years. The difficulties in the management of spinal tuberculosis in infants are discussed.