Cervical spine tuberculosis is an infection of the cervical spine caused by tuberculosis bacteria. Cervical spine tuberculosis destroys the vertebrae and discs, causing cervical spine deformity, abscesses, and compression of the cervical spinal cord. Spinal decompression in cervical spine tuberculosis occurs when a large abscess has formed or there is spinal cord compression.

Lumbar spinal tuberculosis is an infection of the lumbar spine caused by tuberculosis bacteria. Lumbar spinal tuberculosis destroys the vertebrae and discs, leading to deformity of the lumbar spine, abscesses, and spinal cord compression. Complications of lumbar spinal tuberculosis can lead to abscesses or paralysis of the lower limbs, sometimes requiring surgery to decompress the spinal cord.