A 35-year-old man from Bihar presents with chronic low back pain, evening rise of fever, and weight loss for 4 months. Examination reveals a gibbus deformity at the thoracolumbar junction. MRI shows destruction of T12 and L1 vertebral bodies with preservation of the intervening disc and a paravertebral cold abscess. Which vertebral segment is the most common site for this condition?
- A Thoracic spine ✓
- B Cervical spine
- C Thoracolumbar junction
- D Lumbar spine
Correct answer: A. Thoracic spine
Explanation
Pott's spine most commonly affects the thoracic spine, followed by the lumbar spine. The thoracolumbar junction is frequently involved but not the most common. The cervical spine is least common. The paravertebral cold abscess with relative disc preservation in early disease is characteristic of tuberculosis. Indian exam questions frequently test that thoracic spine is the most common site for spinal TB.
Reference: Shanmuganathan T, Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.