Which segment of the vertebral column is the most frequent site of involvement in skeletal tuberculosis?

• A Dorsal (thoracic) spine ✓
• B Cervical spine
• C Sacrum
• D Tibia

Explanation

The spine is the most common site of skeletal tuberculosis, accounting for roughly half of all osteoarticular cases, and within the spine the dorsal region is the most frequently affected segment, followed by the dorso-lumbar junction. The rich red marrow, sluggish blood flow of the vertebral metaphyseal equivalents and load bearing favour haematogenous seeding here. The cervical spine is uncommon (under 5 percent), and long bones such as the tibia are far rarer sites than the axial skeleton.

Reference: Tuli's Tuberculosis of the Skeletal System, 5th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.