Skeletal tuberculosis represents about 2% of all tuberculosis (TB) cases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with its excellent soft tissue contrast, is a highly effective diagnostic tool for detecting this condition and assessing its spread and associated deformities. This study aims to examine MRI findings in patients diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis.

Methods: This study was conducted at Department of Radiodiagnosis of Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, Hapur, UP. It included MRI scans of the spine from patients diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis during the study period. Patients without microbiological or pathological confirmation of spinal tuberculosis were excluded.

Results: Thirty-five patients participated in the study, with a mean age of 47.2 ± 16.5 years. All patients displayed a spondylodiscitis pattern of involvement. In 71.4% of cases, a single intervertebral disc and the adjacent vertebrae were affected, while 28.5% had involvement of multiple contiguous vertebrae and intervertebral discs. Gibbus deformity was observed in 77.1% of cases. Pre/paravertebral and epidural collections were found in 51.4% and 45.7% of patients, respectively, and psoas abscesses were seen in 25.7% of patients. Cord compression with myelopathy occurred in 8.5% of cases, and posterior element involvement was noted in 25.7% of patients.

Conclusion: MRI is a highly effective tool for evaluating the extent of spinal tuberculosis, as well as identifying deformities and abscesses. Most patients present at advanced stages with significant collections and deformities.