Tuberculous coxitis: diagnostic problems and varieties of treatment: a case report

Although the prevalence of tuberculosis reduces, it still belongs to the most important infectious diseases worldwide even in industrial countries.We report an unusual case of tuberculous coxitis in a 28-year-old healthy native female with recurrent hip pain. While X-ray and microbiological examination of the aspirate showed no abnormality, only extended diagnostic measurements and detailed history led to the diagnosis of TBC. Although the patient did not show any pulmonary symptoms open tuberculosis was confirmed. After a course of antibiotic treatment she underwent reconstructive surgery which consecutively improved range of motion. This case report emphasizes that tuberculosis should still be considered as a significant disease even in healthy patients with uncertain complaints in joints without significant initial radiographic abnormalities. We recommend the described diagnostic procedures as well as an antibiotic and surgical treatment.