Abegail A.

Rimando
3BSN-1
Pott's disease
Pott's disease is a presentation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis whereby disease is seen in
the spinal vertebrae. It is named after Percival Pott (1779) who was a surgeon in London.
Pott's disease is tuberculosis of the spinal column.
Cause and Etiology:
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the main cause.

Risk factors
Endemic tuberculosis
Poor socio-economic conditions
HIV infection
Family history of tuberculosis.

Signs and Symptoms
Gibbus formation
Gait disturbance
The onset is gradual.
Back pain is localised.
Fever, night sweats, anorexia and weight loss.
Signs may include kyphosis (common) and/or a paravertebral swelling.
Affected patients tend to assume a protective upright, stiff position.
If there is neural involvement there will be neurological signs.

Management:
Objectives:
1. Immobilization of spine
2. Control the infection
3. Minimize the deformity
4. Build up resistance
V-itamins
I-soniazide
P-yrazinamide
E-thambutol
R-ifampicin
S-treptomycin
Medical treatment is the mainstay but surgical intervention may be required.
Immobilisation of the spine is usually for two or three months.
Drug treatment: this is covered in the separate article on the Management of
Tuberculosis.(VIPERS) Therapy may need to exceed six months.

Surgical treatment: ADSF
Evacuation of paravertebral abcess
Curattage of diseased bone
Relieve of pressure on spinal cord

Prevention
As for all tuberculosis, BCG vaccination.
Improvement of socio-economic conditions.
Prevention of HIV and AIDS.


Nursing Management:
1. Observe signs of respiratory distress.
2. Ensure spinal alignment by turning of patient as a unit: logrolling technique
3. Application of braces