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Alternative names
Granulomatous arthritisDefinition Return to top
Tuberculous arthritis is an infection of the joints caused by tuberculosis. (See also spondylitis.)Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Approximately 1% of people affected with tuberculosis will develop associated arthritis. The joints most frequently involved are the spine, hips, knees, wrists, and ankles. Most cases involve just one joint.
Tuberculosis involving the spine is often referred to as Pott's disease. The fictional Hunchback of Notre Dame had a gibbous deformity (humpback) that is thought to have been caused by tuberculosis.
Tuberculous arthritis can be very destructive. In particular, if the spine is involved, a patient may have numbness, tingling or weakness below the level of the infection. Muscle atrophy and muscle spasms can occur.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
A physical examination indicates joint inflammation.Treatment Return to top
Treatment is aimed at eradicating the infection with anti-tubercular medications. Analgesics and application of heat or cold to the joints may provide relief of pain. Surgery may be necessary, especially to drain spinal abscesses or to stabilize the spine. Surgery is rarely needed for infections of other sites.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
This form of arthritis can be very destructive to the tissues. Control of the infection should prevent further joint involvement. However, joint destruction may take place before the infection is controlled.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of this disorder, or if other possible tuberculosis symptoms are present.
Prevention Return to top
Controlling the spread of tuberculosis infection can prevent tuberculous arthritis. Patients who have a positive PPD test (but not active tuberculosis) may decrease their risk of tuberculous arthritis by properly taking medicines to prevent tuberculosis. To effectively treat tuberculosis, it is crucial that patients take their medications exactly as prescribed. Update Date: 7/8/2004 Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |