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 patient with cervical spine tuberculosis with a rare localisation.
A 10-years old boy with no medical history, showed torticolis and high temperature without neurological complication. In the physical examination, he had torticolis and pain in the third, forth and fifth cervical vertebra.
The biology showed high CRP 200mg/l.
The tomodensitometry of the cervical spine showed a collection of the third cervical spine. The patient took non specific Antibiotics for two months with no radiological improvement.
When biopsy was performed, we find an inter apophysis (between C3 and C4) collection.
The histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of apophysis tuberculosis.
The cervical spine is a rare localisation of the tuberculosis. The apophysis localisation is a more uncommon localisation. The diagnosis is difficult. The histological examination is essential for the diagnosis.
The management based on tuberculosis chemotherapy and immobilization started as soon as possible.
