Isolated tuberculosis of the patella mimicking as prepatellar bursitis.

Rashid Anjum, Vivek Sharma, Navdeep Singh

BMJ case reports 2024 Aug 30

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Patellar tuberculosis (TB) is a rare manifestation of musculoskeletal tuberculosis, accounting for a small proportion of cases. This case report presents a detailed analysis of a female patient in her early 30s who presented with isolated TB of the patella without concurrent pulmonary involvement. The patient received antitubercular chemotherapy, consisting of a 4-month intensive phase followed by an 8-month continuation phase. This case report underscores the rarity and diagnostic complexities associated with patellar TB. The condition often presents with non-specific symptoms, often mimicking prepatellar bursitis, necessitating a high level of clinical suspicion, particularly in patients from the endemic areas. Radiographic imaging and histopathological examination play crucial roles in establishing an accurate diagnosis. Antitubercular chemotherapy forms the cornerstone of treatment while surgical intervention is reserved for cases of extensive bone destruction or treatment failure. © BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

Citation

Rashid Anjum, Vivek Sharma, Navdeep Singh. Isolated tuberculosis of the patella mimicking as prepatellar bursitis. BMJ case reports. 2024 Aug 30;17(8)