Physical therapist management of tuberculous arthritis of the elbow

Tuberculous arthritis is not commonly seen by physical therapists in the United States. The purpose of this case report is to describe a case of tuberculous arthritis of the elbow.

The patient was a 36-year-old man referred for physical therapy evaluation and intervention for chronic elbow pain. After an evaluation and a trial of physical therapy, the patient was referred back to a primary care provider for additional tests to rule out systemic pathology. An open debridement of synovium and biopsy of the capitellum and radial head was positive for acid-fast bacilli, which was later identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The patient was placed on a 4-drug antituberculosis regimen that resolved all patient complaints and restored full elbow function.

Tuberculous arthritis has characteristic findings during examination and in diagnostic tests. Although tuberculous arthritis is uncommon, it should be considered when patients have chronic or vague musculoskeletal complaints.