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).