Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the wrist

Reports of tuberculous infections of the wrist have been scarce, especially during the past 30 years. The diagnosis of tuberculosis may be difficult and requires a high index of suspicion, especially in patients with significant risk factors. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as untreated wrist infections can have disastrous outcomes. This article describes the clinical presentation and management of an atypical case of tuberculosis of the wrist--a case of extensive carpal destruction without tenosynovial involvement. Quiescent tuberculosis seemed to reactivate after an episode of minor trauma.