According to Rajasekaran's classification of spinal deformity in childhood spinal tuberculosis, which pattern carries the worst prognosis for progressive kyphotic deformity?

• A Type I: disc space collapse with mild vertebral end-plate changes
• B Type II: collapse of one vertebral body with end-plate involvement
• C Type IV: whole vertebral body collapse (buckling collapse) ✓
• D Type III: collapse of two adjacent vertebral bodies

Explanation

Rajasekaran classified the radiological patterns of childhood spinal tuberculosis into four types based on the extent of collapse. Type IV, buckling collapse where the entire vertebral body crumbles, has the worst prognosis, with the highest risk of severe progressive kyphosis exceeding 90 degrees during growth. Types I and II often show spontaneous improvement or stability, while type III has intermediate risk. This classification guides decisions on prophylactic stabilisation in growing children.

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.