Skeletal tuberculosis

Skeletal tuberculosis is an uncommon form of tuberculosis. During the period 1977-87, the number of cases diagnosed in two Dublin hospitals has remained at a constant level. The present study reports on 36 adults with skeletal tuberculosis and shows more frequent extraspinal involvement than other studies. The long duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis of 10.79 (+/- 8.8) months suggests that tuberculosis is not being considered early in the course of unexplained inflammatory arthritides especially in the elderly patient. The under utilisation of the Mantoux test in diagnosis is also a matter of concern.