In TB spine, the 'anterior instability' pattern requires surgical stabilization. The Hong Kong operation for cervical Pott's spine involves:

• A Posterior decompression and fusion
• B Percutaneous drainage of the abscess alone
• C Posterior instrumented fusion with pedicle screws
• D Radical debridement, anterior decompression, and anterior strut bone grafting ✓

Explanation

The Hong Kong operation (Hodgson and Stock, 1960) is the classical radical anterior surgery for Pott's spine: anterior approach, radical debridement of the diseased bone and abscess, anterior decompression of the spinal cord, and anterior strut bone grafting (iliac crest or rib) to restore anterior column stability. It achieves direct decompression of the anteriorly placed compressive lesion (which is where the pathology lies in Pott's) and promotes solid fusion. Contemporary approaches may add posterior instrumentation for multi-level or kyphotic deformity correction, but the Hong Kong operation remains the historical benchmark.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.