Clinical features of pediatric spinal tuberculosis at tertiary general hospital

Spinal Tuberculosis is a secondary tuberculosis due to hematogenous spread from the primary infection site (lungs) caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is chronic-destructive in nature which attacks the spine. Manifestations in the form of deformity can also be cosmetically disturbing and will certainly reduce the sufferer's quality of life. The diagnosis of Spinal Tuberculosis is difficult and it commonly presents at an advanced stage. This retrospective study was performed at tertiary general hospital to identify the demographic and presenting clinical features of pediatric Spinal Tuberculosis population. Based on demographic characteristics, it was found that majority patients were female (59.34%) and in the range of 13-18 years old (52.75%). Based on diagnostic characteristics, it was found that majority of the lesions involved the thoracic spine (72.52%), majority of Kyphotic Angle in the range of 0-40 degrees (32.97%), more patients with vertebral collapse damage levels, types of deformity changes, complications of spinal stenosis, the main complaint is back pain and usually followed by weakness in the legs, and the most common patient laboratory results are increased WBC (White Blood Cells), decreased Hgb (Hemoglobin), and increased ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate).