Sometimes the culture can be negative especially if it is done after taking medications or if the culture has been done for long enough duration. TB culture takes 6 weeks or more to show proper results. One other thing to make sure is to ensure that it is only from an infection and the tissue is nothing else.
If the appearances on MRI suggest Potts spine, then it is better to start and take the medications correctly. You may need treatment for 6 or 9 months with regular monitoring of you blood tests. Irregular treatment will make it very difficult to cure the disease.
Your blood tests need to be monitored to make sure the infection is getting better.
Hope this helps.
Dr Vinu Raj
MBBS MRCS FRCS (Trauma&Orthopaedics)
Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon
Answered2017-04-22 04:48:45
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