There has been a significant worldwide increase in the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) and of its extrapulmonary manifestations. [1] [2] Osteoarticular TB accounts for 1–2% of all the TB cases in the western world. [3] The spine being the most common site of osseous involvement, accounting for about 50% of cases. [4] Tuberculous involvement of the wrist joint is a rare presentation. The diagnosis may be initially difficult owing to the rarity of the disease, its non-specific clinical signs and lack of awareness resulting in delay in starting treatment, progression of disease and more advanced disability. [5]

A previously healthy 24-year-old British male was admitted to the accident and emergency department with a facial laceration after being involved in a fight. An incidental finding of a swollen right wrist was made and was subsequently referred to our hand trauma and plastic surgery unit with a diagnosis of an abscess. The patient gave a one-year history of a spontaneously appearing painful lump on the dorsum of the right dominant hand, which had gradually increased in size with no history of trauma. There was no associated history of fever, loss of weight, night sweats or fatigue.

Prior to presentation, he had been initially treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for a painful wrist joint. He then underwent two months course of intra-articular steroid injections and methotrexate therapy for a presumed diagnosis of inflammatory oligoarthritis of the wrist as radiographs were reported as normal. The condition did not improve and wrist movements became increasingly painful and restricted.

Clinical examination revealed an average built man with no peripheral lymphadenopathy. There was a painless swelling located on the dorso-radial aspect of the right wrist, measuring approximately 4×4 cm with cellulitic inflamed overlying skin. (Figure 1) The patient was very reluctant to actively move his affected wrist and passive range of movement was limited by pain. The rest of the clinical examination including respiratory system examination was unremarkable. Blood tests showed hemoglobin 15.3 g/dL, total leukocyte count 8,900/mm3, neutrophils 5.2x103/L, lymphocytes 1.0x109/µL, monocytes 0.9x103/L, eosinophil 0/µL, erythrocyte sedimentation rate 32 mm/h and C-reactive protein 5.0 mg/L. He was HIV seronegative and chest radiograph was normal with no signs of pulmonary tuberculosis. (Figure 2) Computed tomography (CT) scan (Figure 3) and radiographs of the right hand and wrist AP and lateral views (Figure 4) (Figure 5) revealed multiple carpal and distal radius erosions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan with contrast confirmed the presence of multiple osteolytic lesions and showed extensive soft tissue thickening, edema of the extensor tendons and fluid noted affecting mainly the dorsum of the wrist. (Figure 6)

Drainage of the wrist yielded pus and inflammatory tissue. Histological assessment showed caseating granuloma, whilst staining confirmed the presence of acid-fast bacilli. The diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis affecting the distal radius and carpal bones with tuberculous tenosynovitis was made. Anti-tuberculous treatment was commenced with four drugs (rifampicin, ethambutol, isoniazid and pyrazinamide) for two months, followed by two drugs (rifampicin, isoniazid) for 12 months. The infection settled with antitubercular drugs and no further intervention was needed.

Tuberculous infection of the musculoskeletal system is rare even in areas of high TB prevalence. [6] Hand and wrist involvement are seen in 10% of patients with musculoskeletal disease. [7] The symptoms initially are non-specific in the form of joint pain, swelling, effusion, stiffness, carpal tunnel syndrome, limitation of movement, and discharging sinuses. Constitutional symptoms include low-grade fever, night sweats, weight loss, and anorexia. Blood tests may show mildly raised or even normal inflammatory markers.

Sclerosis and osteolytic lesions, the main radiographic features of bony tuberculosis, are non-specific and are present in other conditions such as inflammatory arthritis, pyogenic osteomyelitis, and some malignancies. [8] Other radiographic features include osteopenia, soft-tissue swellings, periosteal reaction, narrowing of the joint space and bone cysts. [8] [9] [10] The CT and MRI scans, although non-specific, may help in the differential diagnosis and in evaluating the extent of the lesion. The diagnosis of TB may be confirmed on the recognition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on either histology study or culture, or, ideally, both. [11] [12] [13] But the gold standard for the diagnosis of osseous tuberculosis would be culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from bone tissue

There is no consensus on the accurate duration of treatment and this remains a matter of great debate. However, a prolonged course of antituberculous drugs is the basis of treatment. [5] [7] [14] Watts and Lifeso recommended that treatment should be continued for a minimum of 12 months for osteoarticular involvement. [15] Kotwal and Khan [16] treated cases of hand tuberculosis with antitubercular chemotherapy using four drugs (INH, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol) for four months; followed by three drugs (INH, rifampin, and pyrazinamide) for three months; and finally two drugs (INH and rifampin) for 11 months. [17] However, the optimal duration of treatment has been an issue of considerable debate.

The absence of active pulmonary tuberculosis does not eliminate the possibility of an osteoarticular tuberculosis. [18] Systemic disease, diabetes mellitus, and local factors such as trauma or intra-articular steroids may predispose to activation of a distant focus. [9] The clinical picture and radiological features in the early stages of the disease may simulate arthritis and a definitive diagnosis is established by open biopsy and tissue culture. [10] Surgery is an adjunct to the antituberculosis medications as surgical procedures may be necessary to control the disease or to improve the function.

In summary, persistent swelling of bones or joints can be a presenting sign of tuberculosis. The diagnosis can be easily missed because of the non-specific clinical signs resulting in progression of disease and more advanced disability. The disease may mimic inflammatory arthritis and therefore, high index of suspicion is required when dealing with long standing inflammatory swellings not responding to conservative measures. A normal chest radiograph or the absence of systemic symptoms does not exclude the possibility of bone tuberculosis. When confronted with unusual inflammatory findings, always send tissue for histology and alcohol and acid-fast bacilli culture. Surgery is an adjunct to drugs to control the disease or to improve the function. Because results are much better during earlier stages of the disease, prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment are essential.

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