Bone tuberculosis in the distal metaphysis of a child's radius: case report

tuberculosis is an important public health problem associated with patient's morbidity and increased public expenses in Brazil. The disease typically affects the lungs, but can affect other sites as well. Extrapulmonary manifestations are estimated to occur in approximately 20% of patients with tuberculosis. The diagnosis is often difficult and neglected, which can generate important consequences for the patients. Radiological images, bacteriological exams and histopathology of the tissue allowing the isolation of pathogens and identification of the bacillus are part of the diagnosis.

the authors report a case of a child aged one and four months with osteoarticular tuberculosis affecting the distal metaphysis of the radius, with a diagnosis confirmed through histopathological exams and bacteriological analysis of the lesion by biopsy and culture. Curettage of the lesion was performed and chemotherapy drugs were administered (Rifampicin, Isoniazid and Pyrazinamide), with clinical and radiological improvement. The authors discuss the importance of tuberculosis as a differential diagnosis in cases with similar clinical and radiological findings (tumors and bone infections) in an endemic region.