Tuberculous osteomyelitis of the long bones and joints

Abstract

Skeletal tuberculosis(TB) is usually a rare osteoarticular disease in which bones or joints are involved. We studied 4 such cases admitted to Iranian National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases from 2000 to 2003. In the initial stages of the disease, diagnosis is very difficult and conventional radiographies often reveal nonspecific findings. Our experience in these cases showed that a high index of suspicion is the most important step in early diagnosis of skeletal tuberculosis.