Primary diaphyseal tuberculosis of the tibia

Chattopadhyay P, Bandyopadhyay A, Ghosh S, Kundu AJ
Correspondence: Dr Partha Chattopadhyay, drpartha73@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
Tuberculous osteomyelitis involving primarily the diaphysis without articular involvement is very rare. Pain and swelling are the common presenting symptoms. The nonspecific nature of the symptoms leads to a delay in the diagnosis. Radiographs may mimic pyogenic osteomyelitis, Brodie’s abscess, tumours or granulomatous lesions. Curettage of the lesion and the histopathological examination of the material obtained are necessary for confirmation of the diagnosis and offer a chance for early healing. We report the successful diagnosis and management of a rare case in a 28-year-old man of Indian origin afflicted with primary diaphyseal tuberculosis of the left tibia.

Keywords: Brodie’s abscess, diaphyseal tuberculosis, tuberculous osteomyelitis, skeletal tuberculosis
Singapore Med J 2009; 50(6): e226-e228