Abstract

Background: Pott’s spine, or tuberculous spondylitis, is a severe extrapulmonary manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection that primarily affects the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. Representing approximately 2% of all tuberculosis (TB) cases, 15% of extrapulmonary TB, and nearly 50% of skeletal TB, it remains a major cause of spinal deformity and neurological deficits in developing regions. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are crucial for preventing complications. Physiotherapy-based rehabilitation forms an integral component of treatment, aiming to restore function, alleviate pain, and enhance patients’ quality of life.
Aim: This review evaluates the impact of physiotherapy exercises on the quality of life of individuals diagnosed with Pott’s spine.
Methodology: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed and Google Scholar databases between 2012 and 2024 using specific keywords—spinal tuberculosis, Pott’s spine, quality of life, and physiotherapy—with Boolean operators “AND” and “OR” applied. Out of 38, 695 initially retrieved studies, 20 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for methodological quality and clinical relevance.
Results: The reviewed studies demonstrated that physiotherapy interventions, including range of motion and strengthening exercises, postural correction, balance training, respiratory reconditioning, and sensory re-education, substantially improved functional independence, cardiorespiratory capacity, and overall quality of life among Pott’s spine survivors.
Conclusion: Rehabilitation remains essential throughout the disease trajectory, contributing to pain reduction, neurological recovery, and prevention of disability. Continued research is warranted to standardize physiotherapeutic protocols and enhance the evidence base for spinal tuberculosis management.