Guidelines and literature:
Approximately 10% of extrapulmonary cases of tuberculosis (TB) are
musculoskeletal in origin (1). The most prevalent form
of skeletal TB is vertebral involvement, often known as Pott’s disease
or tuberculous spondylitis (1). Because TB may not be
the first thing to be considered in the differential diagnosis, the
symptoms of musculoskeletal TB may present slowly over an extended
period of time, making a diagnosis difficult (1,2).
The absence of concurrent pulmonary disease can further muddle the
diagnosis (2). For the best possible outcome and to
reduce the risk of deformity, bone and joint disorders must be diagnosed
early (3,4). The use of modern imaging modalities,
such as MRI (the preferred imaging approach) and CT, has improved the
diagnosis of patients with musculoskeletal TB and the ability to perform
targeted biopsies from damaged musculoskeletal system regions(1,2). To establish a firm diagnosis and recover M.
tuberculosis for susceptibility testing, suitable specimens for culture
and other diagnostic procedures must be obtained (1).
For the treatment of drug-susceptible musculoskeletal illness, a
rifampin-based regimen lasting 6 to 9 months is advised(1).