Bone and joint tuberculosis: a review of 652 cases

The results of a computerized study of 652 cases of bone and joint tuberculosis were presented. The cases were studied according to a program of 76 variables. From the various results of such a study, the following data were found. A high rate of tuberculous osteomyelitis (19%) and of tuberculosis of the upper limb joints (14%) were found. The reliability of a new x-ray classification based on the degree of destruction of the joint should be emphasized along with the reliability of biological examinations. All patients were treated according to the same principles; chemotherapy against tuberculosis, and surgical measures against musculoskeletal destruction. The results were excellent for tuberculosis. A favorable response to chemotherapy was found in 98% with only 3% of the cases relapsing. Anatomical results were surprisingly good and excellent in 56% of the cases, in spite of the low rate of surgery performed. Fair anatomical results often gave good functional results if no deformity persisted.