Health Encyclopedia

Tuberculous arthritis

Definition

Tuberculous arthritis is an infection of the joints due to tuberculosis.

Alternative Names

Granulomatous arthritis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Approximately 2% of people affected with tuberculosis will develop associated arthritis. The joints most frequently involved are the spine, hips, knees, wrists, and ankles. Most cases involve just one joint.

Tuberculosis involving the spine is often referred to as Pott's disease. The fictional Hunchback of Notre Dame had a humpback that is thought to have been caused by tuberculosis.

Tuberculous arthritis can be very destructive. In particular, if the spine is involved, a patient may have numbness, tingling, or weakness below the level of the infection. Muscle atrophy and muscle spasms can occur.

Symptoms

Low-grade fever
Excessive sweating, especially at night
Weight loss or loss of appetite
Joint swelling with warm, tender joints
Decreased joint mobility
Spinal mass, sometimes associated with numbness, tingling, or weakness of the legs

Note: Onset is usually slow and may involve only one joint.

Signs and tests

A physical examination indicates joint inflammation.

Tests:

Joint x-rays
Positive tuberculin skin test (also called PPD)
Aspiration of fluid in the joint
Biopsy of the joint to detect the bacteria that causes tuberculosis

Treatment

Antibiotics will be given to destroy the bacteria that are causing the tuberculosis infection.

Pain killers and application of heat or cold to the joints may provide relief of pain. Surgery may be necessary, especially to drain spinal abscesses or to stabilize the spine. Surgery is rarely needed for infections of other sites.

Expectations (prognosis)

This form of arthritis can be very destructive to the tissues. Control of the infection should prevent further joint involvement. However, joint destruction may take place before the infection is controlled.

Complications

Vertebral collapse resulting in kyphosis
Spinal cord compression
Joint destruction

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of this disorder, or if other possible tuberculosis symptoms are present.

Prevention

Controlling the spread of tuberculosis infection can prevent tuberculous arthritis. Patients who have a positive PPD test (but not active tuberculosis) may decrease their risk of tuberculous arthritis by properly taking medicines to prevent tuberculosis. To effectively treat tuberculosis, it is crucial that patients take their medications exactly as prescribed.

Review Date:8/15/2006
Reviewed By:Hilary M. Babcock, M.D., Medical Director of Occupational Infection Control, Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospitals; Instructor of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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