Ask the Expert

Get answers to your shoulder and elbow questions.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis or individual treatment advice via e-mail. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.

Please install flash player to see this video.

Hospital Virtual Tour

Tuberculous arthritis - Symptom

Alternative Names

Granulomatous arthritis

Symptoms:

Decreased movement in the joints
Excessive sweating, especially at night
Joint swelling with warm, tender joints
Low-grade fever
Muscle atrophy
Muscle spasms
Numbness, tingling, or weakness below the infection (if the spine is involved)
Weight loss or loss of appetite

Note: The condition usually starts slowly and may involve only one joint.

Signs and tests:

A physical examination shows swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the joint.

Tests:

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

Reviewed last on: 9/17/2008
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, PhD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Alparsian L, Yu JS, Weissman BN. Imaging. In: Harris ED, Budd RC, Genovese MC, Firestein GS, Sargent JS, Sledge CB, eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005: chap 51.

McCune WJ, Golbus J. Monarticular arthritis. In: Harris ED, Budd RC, Genovese MC, Firestein GS, Sargent JS, Sledge CB, eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005: chap 34.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)