[Tuberculous coxitis: diagnostic problems]

Tuberculosis is still a significant disease in Switzerland, mainly because of the number of immigrants from endemic countries and the AIDS epidemic. The osteoarticular system is affected in a minority (3.1%) of cases; diagnosis is difficult but extremely important since classical treatment by medication started without delay brings about complete recovery, whereas lack of therapy can result in persistent pain and loss of joint function. Therefore, diagnostic procedures must not be limited to x-ray examination alone, but cultures and antibiotic sensitivity tests must be performed in order to select the appropriate antibiotic therapy. Cultures and histological analysis of the synovial membrane and fluid are the most reliable diagnostic tools.