The most common sequelae of tuberculous spondylitis is:

Ans. (b) Bony ankylosisRef: Maheshwari 5th ed. /189* Tuberculous spondylitis is most commonly localized in the thoracic portion of the spine.* The infection coming from primary site (ie: lungs) then spreads from two adjacent vertebrae into the adjoining intervertebral disc space. If only one vertebra is affected, the disc is normal, but if two are involved, the disc, which is avascular, cannot receive nutrients and collapses. The disc tissue dies and is broken down by caseation, leading to vertebral narrowing and eventually to vertebral collapse (Bony ankylosis) and spinal damage.* From the choices given in the question, the most logical answer is bony ankylosis.* Actual late complications of Tubercular spondylitis is: Vertebral collapse resulting in kyphosis, Spinal cord compression, sinus formation, paraplegia.* Most common cause of bony ankylosis:Septic arthritis > TB spine