Published in:
01-05-2003 | Case Report
Tuberculosis of the patella
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 4/2003
Login to get accessAbstract
Background
A rare case of patella tuberculosis in a 33-year-old man is presented. In the last two decades, tuberculosis has made a vigorous comeback, due mainly to large-scale migration of populations and the increasing number of immunosuppressed patients. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis accounts for less than 3% of cases, and sites like the patella are very rare. Fewer than 10 cases were found in the international literature.
Methods
A 33-year-old man presented in our department with a 9-month history of pain and swelling of the left knee. Tuberculosis of the patella was diagnosed after biological and radiological investigations.
Results
Imaging studies, especially MRI, are of great interest for the diagnosis and to assess the extent of tuberculosis. Histology of the curettage specimen is also required to reach a definitive diagnosis and develop an adapted management strategy (chemotherapy and rehabilitation).
Conclusion
Diagnosis and treatment should be urgent, including surgical debridement and well-conducted antitubercular therapy to yield a satisfactory functional outcome.