Unusual locations of osteoarticular tuberculosis

Tuberculosis continues to occur frequently in some underdeveloped regions. Bone and joint tuberculosis is less common than the pulmonary form. Fourteen cases of bone and joint tuberculosis in unusual locations are presented. Tuberculostatic treatment and surgical approach were associated in all the patients. In 6 cases an arthrodesis of the affected joint was carried out. A surgical debridement was done in 6 patients and a needle biopsy in 2 patients in order to obtain samples for pathology and bacteriology. Twelve of the 14 patients recovered. One patient who was affected by atlanto-axial tuberculosis died within the immediate postoperative period. A second one affected by the acquired immunodefiency syndrome died 4 months after surgery.