Tuberculous osteomyelitis of the knee: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: With the resurge of tuberculosis, due to the pandemic of the human immunodeficiency virus and the increase in the number of immunocompromised patients, osteoarticular tuberculosis has increased too.

Materials and methods: We report of a 55-year-old patient, with chronic renal failure on haemodialysis, who presented with a painful knee and fever. Culture on Lowënstein-Jensen medium of joint liquid revealed a tuberculous affectation of the proximal tibia. Wide excision was performed, completed with 9 months of tuberculostatic drugs. At 1 year follow-up, the patient was free of symptoms.

Conclusion: Tuberculous aetiology should be considered in the differential diagnosis of knee arthritis.