Indices in the early diagnosis of tuberculosis of the spine in Ghana.

A retrospective review of 44 cases which outlines the symptoms, signs and laboratory findings that are suggestive of early tuberculosis of the spine and, skull to help the clinician make the diagnosis of this disease. Four new clinical syndromes of presentation of this disease are described; spinal type (early Potts) Meningo encephalitis (Indolent tuberculous meningitis), Tuberculosis of the base of skull and sinuses and Lupus Vulgaris. The occupation most at risk is the international trader on the west coast of Africa. The treatment at this stage is anti tuberculous drugs.