Epidemiological Pattern and Clinical Characteristics of Spinal Tuberculosis (Pott’s Disease): A Three‑Year Retrospective Study at Aliabad Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Spinal tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of disability, particularly in low‑ and middle‑income countries, yet local data on its epidemiological pattern remain limited. Spinal TB represents a severe form of musculoskeletal tuberculosis. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management are critical, as delays can lead to vertebral destruction, spinal deformity, chronic pain, neurological complications, and permanent disability. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of spinal TB in the Neurosurgery Service of Aliabad Teaching Hospital during the solar Hijri years 1400, 1401, and 1402.

Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive retrospective study. Data from patients with a definitive diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis, based on clinical and radiological findings, were extracted from medical records and included in the analysis.

Results: A total of 44 patients were included, comprising 24 females and 20 males. The lumbar spine was the most frequently involved region, accounting for 39 cases. By place of residence, the largest number of patients were from Kabul province. The mean age of patients was 38.2 ± 10.7 years.

Discussion and Conclusion: Among patients with spinal tuberculosis presenting to the Neurosurgery Service of Aliabad Teaching Hospital, lumbar involvement was predominant and females constituted a larger proportion of cases. These findings underscore the importance of heightened clinical suspicion for early diagnosis of spinal TB and of characterizing vertebral involvement patterns in this population.