Ambiguity of Primary Patellar Tuberculous Osteomyelitis as a Pre-Patellar Bursitis: A Case Report

A 47-year-old male with swelling over the patella and associated pain, subsiding with medicines but recurring after a few days. Diagnosed as prepatellar bursitis by the family physician, it eventually turns out to be osteomyelitis of the patella. Treated with curettage, biopsy, and placement of bio-composite mixed with antibiotics. Intra-operative findings and histopathology confirmed tuberculosis of the patella. On follow-up after 6 years and the completion of anti-tuberculosis treatment, the patient showed full functional and radiological recovery without recurrence.

Early treatment with antibiotics and surgery gives excellent results. Identifying it as a tuberculous osteomyelitis is challenging when the condition is closely resembles pre-patellar bursitis.