Tuberculosis of the knee -- a long term follow-up

Thirty cases of tuberculosis of the knee followed up for an average of 15 years were reviewed. The majority of patients developed the disease during childhood. All had received standard anti-tuberculous drug treatment. Fifteen were treated conservatively alone, while the other 15 had a debridement type of surgery in addition to drugs. At review, one-third had occasional mild pain, but this was only present in the conservatively treated group. Stiffness, however, was more predominant in the operated and in the late onset groups. Some mild deformity was seen in 17 out of 30 patients and was related not so much to disturbance of epiphyseal growth, but rather, to bone collapse. Interesting X-ray appearances at follow-up were found. The factors which could lead to a good outcome included young age of onset, treatment within six months of onset, and early mobilisation. If the disease is well advanced, surgical treatment will lead to a painless joint, but with greater restriction of joint movement.