Tuberculosis, of the sacroiliac joint: clinical features, outcome, and evaluation of closed needle biopsy in 11 consecutive cases

Tuberculosis of the sacroiliac joint

“…Therefore, in view of the laboratory findings, the positive tuberculin skin test, the lack of evidence of any underlying seronegative spondyloarthropathy and the CT scan findings, a needle biopsy was carried out and histological findings confirmed the diagnosis. Therefore, biopsy of the joint is necessary for the diagnosis [12]. In addition, the results of the treatment supported the diagnosis in our patient.…”

“…Sacroiliac tuberculosis is a rare condition and is difficult to assess [10,12], although, recently, new cases of sacroiliac tuberculosis have been published, emphasizing the newer diagnostic procedures and the differential diagnosis [3,11]. Tuberculosis of bone usually follows primary infection.…”

“…Pelvic radiographs, bone scans and CT scan showed a localized lesion at the left sacroiliac joint. These methods of investigation give satisfactory results in the majority of patients with inflammatory disease [6,12], although they do not have the sensitivity to differentiate pyogenic from granulomatous sacroiliitis [5]. Therefore, in view of the laboratory findings, the positive tuberculin skin test, the lack of evidence of any underlying seronegative spondyloarthropathy and the CT scan findings, a needle biopsy was carried out and histological findings confirmed the diagnosis.…”

Extraspinal Musculoskeletal Tuberculosis

“…The pain may radiate to the lower limb with a positive straight leg raising test (Pouchot et al 1988). Buttock abscess may rarely be present at the time of presentation as we noted in three of our patients (see Fig.…”

Sacroiliac joint tuberculosis

“…The joint is a synchondrosis and the hyaline cartilage is thinner on the ilial surface when compared to the sacral side. The presenting symptoms of sacroiliitis are vague and the distribution of pain varies due to close relationship between the joint, the lumbosacral plexus and the ability of the abscess to track in any direction [3,12,18,20]. Pain is worsened by walking, sitting and physical activity [3,13].…”