Fig. 1

a Sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showing a 22-year-old male with mild spinal tuberculosis at the L2 vertebral body. The patient was treated with standard first-line antituberculosis drugs for months. b At the 6 months follow-up, the sagittal MRI showed significant edema at the L2 and L3 levels, bone destruction exacerbated without obvious abscess, nerve dysfunction, kyphosis and spinal instability. Conservative treatment was continued. c Sagittal MRI showing significant absorption and a clear lesion edge at 18 months follow-up. d The anteroposterior radiography showing the two years after 18 month of standard chemotherapy treatment. The patient was considered cured and solid fusion appeared at the L2/3 levels, without any complications such as kyphosis or spinal instability.