Anterior reconstruction using titanium mesh cage in dorso-lumbar tuberculosis spine

Tuberculosis of the spine is one of the oldest diseases afflicting humans. evidences of spinal tuberculosis have been found in egyptian mummies dating back to 3400 bc1. the descriptions in rigveda,atharvaveda and charak samhita are the oldest known texts in the world literature relating to this disease. tuberculosis was a leading cause of mortality in the beginning of the twentieth century. improvement in the socioeconomic status led to a major decline in the prevalence even before the introduction of antituberculous drugs. however,it continues to be a major public health problem in developing countries. malnutrition,poor sanitation,and exanthematous fever are the factors contributing to the spread of the disease. surgical treatment of the caries spine is very controversial. 25 cases of thoraco-lumbar and lumbar carries spine were included in our study. males were less than the females. dorsal spine was affected the most .all the patients were given anti tuberculous drugs for 18 months and anterior fixation of the spine achieved by titanium mesh cage filled with bone and fixed with titanium dc plate over it. all the patients recovered well. titanium mesh cage fixation after proper decompression and fixation proved very beneficial to the patient in relieving pain and getting early mobilization.