Case report on the recurrence of tuberculosis of hip after 40 years

Abstract

Tuberculosis of joints is relatively rare condition and is associated with varied degree of immobility as well as other limitations. Tuberculosis of hip joint results in a remarkable decline in the living standard of the patients since hip joint has a wide range of function in daily movements apart from being the pivotal weight bearing joint in human body. The degeneration of hip joint culminates into long term morbidity for the patient. In this case report we present a patient who had suffered from the tuberculosis of hip joint 40 years before and had received the standard anti-tuberculosis chemotherapeutic regimen with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. After treatment, the patient had some degree of relief from the pain however the movement of the hip joint was restricted; the restriction increasing progressively since. On diagnostic testing he was found to have a recurrence of tuberculosis along with the old scar tissue left by the primary condition. The patient was assessed thoroughly after which total hip replacement surgery was performed along with the adhesiolysis. The patient made a remarkable recovery after the surgery with a considerable increased range of movement in his hip joint.

The Importance of Timely Diagnosing Tuberculous Arthritis

“…1 Pott disease accounts for 50% of these cases, followed by arthritis of major weight-bearing joints in 25% to 35% (hip and knee). 2 Ankle TB is described only in 8% or less. 3 The authors describe the case of a 58-year-old man of Indian origin, born in Mozambique, who presented to the rheumatology department with a 9-month history of progressive left ankle pain and swelling.…”

“…Although pulmonary TB is the most frequent form of active disease, musculoskeletal TB represents the third most common extrapulmonary manifestation, after pleural and lymphatic disease 1 . Pott disease accounts for 50% of these cases, followed by arthritis of major weight-bearing joints in 25% to 35% (hip and knee) 2 . Ankle TB is described only in 8% or less 3 …”