Tuberculosis of the Ankle Joint: An Uncommon Presentation of Skeletal Tuberculosis
U. C. Inyang *
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria
K. C. Abudu
Department of Histopathology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria
C. E. Ekpenyong
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Skeletal tuberculosis constitutes 1 to 3% of extra pulmonary tuberculosis, and involvement of foot bones is rare. It is therefore unlikely that diagnosis of tuberculosis of the ankle joint will be rapidly made in a healthy looking patient who presents with difficulty with walking, right ankle pain and swelling and fever a week prior to presentation.
We present a case of tuberculosis of the right ankle joint which was difficult to diagnose until histopathology of the synovial biopsy specimen showed features of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and medical treatment with anti-tubercle bacilli agents completely resolved symptoms within two weeks.
Keywords: Tuberculosis, ankle joint, difficult diagnosis.