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Tuberculous arthritis

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Definition:

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

See also: Spondylitis

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.

• 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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