The Appropriate DOTS Regimen Greatly Reduces the Disabilities in Polyarticular EPTB

The placement of cases of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) on the appropriate Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) regimen remains a problematic issue in India and often, consultants delay this, leading to significant avoidable pain, discomfort and reduction in the quality of life of the patients. In contrast, a prompt institution of the DOTS regimen can regress such problems, even at a delayed stage. The following case report on polyarticular tuberculosis which involved the bilateral knee and ankle joints without a pulmonary or disseminated form of tuberculosis, amply highlights these facts.