[Tuberculosis of bones and joints]

In developing countries tuberculosis of the bones and joints is a disease with an endemic character. In industrialized nations it is also gaining importance again as a result of social problems and of cases of immune deficiency. After the bacteriologic/histologic diagnosis of tuberculosis of the bones and joints, the primary therapy is non-operative with immobilization and antituberculous chemotherapy. Nevertheless, there are indications when an abscess and arthrodesis or spondylodesis must be cleaned operatively. An absolute and urgent indication for operative cleansing and stabilization is acute progressive paraplegia.