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Tuberculosis of the patella
L Galois1, I Chary-Valckenaere, D Mainard
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nancy University Hospital, 29 avenue Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny, 54035, Nancy Cedex, France. lgalois@free.fr
Background:
A rare case of patella tuberculosis in a 33-year-old man is presented. In the last two decades, tuberculosis has made a vigorous comeback, due mainly to large-scale migration of populations and the increasing number of immunosuppressed patients. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis accounts for less than 3% of cases, and sites like the patella are very rare. Fewer than 10 cases were found in the international literature.
Methods:
A 33-year-old man presented in our department with a 9-month history of pain and swelling of the left knee. Tuberculosis of the patella was diagnosed after biological and radiological investigations.
Results:
Imaging studies, especially MRI, are of great interest for the diagnosis and to assess the extent of tuberculosis. Histology of the curettage specimen is also required to reach a definitive diagnosis and develop an adapted management strategy (chemotherapy and rehabilitation).
Conclusion:
Diagnosis and treatment should be urgent, including surgical debridement and well-conducted antitubercular therapy to yield a satisfactory functional outcome.