Tuberculosis of the clavicle presenting as an expansile lytic lesion: a case report

Abstract

An unusual case of skeletal tuberculosis, presenting as an expansile osteolytic lesion in the lateral end of the clavicle is presented. Diagnostic confusion delayed appropriate medical therapy, leading to development of a discharging sinus with secondary infection, which further confused the picture. With re-emergence of tuberculosis as an important infection worldwide, and the ability of this disease to mimic many skeletal pathologies, this has to be included in the differential diagnosis, especially at unusual sites.