Clin Orthop Surg.  2015 Dec;7(4):519-522. 10.4055/cios.2015.7.4.519.

High Grade Infective Spondylolisthesis of Cervical Spine Secondary to Tuberculosis

• Hadgaonkar S
• Shah K
• Shyam A
• Sancheti P

• KMID: 2360269
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/cios.2015.7.4.519

Abstract

Spondylolisthesis coexisting with tuberculosis is rarely reported. There is a controversy whether spondylolisthesis coexists or precedes tuberculosis. Few cases of pathological spondylolisthesis secondary to tuberculous spondylodiscitis have been reported in the lumbar and lumbosacral spine. All cases in the literature presented as anterolisthesis, except one which presented as posterolisthesis of lumbar spine. Spondylolisthesis in the cervical spine is mainly degenerative and traumatic. Spondylolisthesis due to tuberculosis is not reported in the lower cervical spine. The exact mechanism of such an occurrence of spondylolisthesis with tuberculosis is sparsely reported in the literature and inadequately understood. We report a rare case of high grade pathological posterolisthesis of the lower cervical spine due to tubercular spondylodiscitis in a 67-year-old woman managed surgically with a three-year follow-up period. This case highlights the varied and complex presentation of tuberculosis of the lower cervical spine and gives insight into its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management.

Keyword

Spondylolisthesis; Tuberculosis; Subaxial spine

MeSH Terms

Aged
*Cervical Vertebrae/pathology/radiography
Female
Humans
*Spondylolisthesis/etiology/radiography
*Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular/complications/diagnosis/pathology

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) Preoperative plain radiographs of the cervical spine. (B) Dynamic views of the cervical spine.

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  Fig. 2 (A) Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showing the tuberculous affection of C5/C6 with pre/paravertebral abscess. (B) Preoperative computed tomography scan showing the posterolisthesis of C5 over C6. (C) Postoperative MRI at two years showing the healed spine.

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  Fig. 3 (A) Immediate postoperative radiographs. (B) Radiographs at two years postoperatively.

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