Torticollis as a sign of spinal tuberculosis

Abstract

Bone localization of tuberculosis mainly affects the thoracolumbar spine. The cervical spine is rare. Its diagnosis is often late which exposes to great instability and potentially serious complications. We reported the case of a 12-year old girl with no medical history, showed torticollis and high temperature without neurological complication. In the physical examination, he had torticollis and pain in the third, fourth and fifth cervical vertebra. When the biopsy was performed, we find an inter apophysis (between C7 and D1) collection. The histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of apophysis tuberculosis. The management based on tuberculosis chemotherapy and immobilization started as soon as possible.

Keywords

• tuberculosis
• cervical
• spine
• apophysis