[Disseminated lung tuberculosis in a patient with undiagnosed chronic hip joint tuberculosis]

A case of a 69-year male patient is reported. His history is an illustration of difficulties in the diagnosis of hip joint tbc. Patient suffered from severe pain in the right hip and thigh while walking for 25 years. Despite abnormal bone structure confirmed by several X-rays, no other examinations were ever performed to establish possible diagnosis. The patient was told to have "an inflammation" or "degeneration" of the bone. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents were given him to enable walking for years. Untreated tuberculosis resulted in the complete destruction of the proximal end of thigh bone and unilateral hip joint. Etiology was confirmed when the patient developed disseminated lung tuberculosis. Antitubercular drugs proved effective and brought about fast improvement of patient's health. On completion of chemotherapy, surgical treatment of the affected bones was performed.