A rare form of tuberculosis affecting the skeletal system of the body is known as tuberculous osteomyelitis or skeletal tuberculosis. For hundreds of years, people across the globe have been distressed regarding the widespread of pulmonary tuberculosis. TB is caused by an airborne infection of the bacterium named Mycobacterium tuberculosis from a person with active TB infection.
Sneezing, coughing, talking, etc, can transfer the bacteria across. The bacteria settle into the lungs and stay latent until the environmental stressors activate them. With this blog, we aim to bring awareness among patients about the rare but possible spread of TB from the lungs to the bones. In this blog, we will learn in detail about bone tuberculosis, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
What is Bone Tuberculosis?
Bone tuberculosis is a rare outcome of tuberculosis where the TB spreads across the bones from the lungs. The primary cause of TB infection is inhaling air infected with the bacterium. Sharing food, water, room, or any amenities with the infected person can be a serious risk. These bacteria spread across the bone through the blood and lymphatic circulation networks. Early signs of skeletal TB can mimic arthritis.
Pain, swelling, stiffness, and quick weight loss are some active signs. It primarily affects the hip, ribs, joints, long bones, and spine. In that case, it is necessary to immediately visit an orthopedic doctor. Dr. Uday Meghnathi is the best spine specialist in Vadodara. Many times in his career, he has come across cases of bone tuberculosis and treated them immediately to prevent the disease progression. He uses advanced treatment approaches, from medications to complex bone surgeries, and supportive care for pain management. Call us to book a consultation.
What are the Active Symptoms of Bone Tuberculosis?
The symptoms of bone tuberculosis appear and grow slowly. They tend to get worse with time and at night. Some of the signs include,
➤ Chronic pain in the affected bone or joint.
➤ Noticeable swelling around the joint or an injured part of the bone.
➤ Restricted joint movement.
➤ The joint and bone area feels too tender and painful to touch.
➤ Due to inflammation, the area of injury feels warm.
➤ Fever and sweating are two of the prominent signs of TB.
➤ Infections like tuberculosis lead to speedy weightloss.
What are the Causes of Bone Tuberculosis?
➤ Primary infection of Mycobacterium Tiberculosis from an infected person.
➤ People suffering from HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, or any other immunosuppressive illnesses are prone to developing TB.
➤ Young children under the age of 16 are prone to developing TB.
➤ People with prolonged TB infection can develop bone TB and stay latent in the body, making diagnosis difficult.
➤ A person with a genetic history of tuberculosis can develop TB and bone TB.
How is Bone Tuberculosis Diagnosed?
➤ Clinical laboratory testing.
➤ Imaging tests like X-rays, CT-Scans, and bone scintigraphy are used to diagnose bone tuberculosis.
➤ There are several lab tests like tuberculin skin test or Mantoux test, interferon-gamma release assays, and microbiological tests.
➤ Blood tests involving ESR and C- reactive protein can identify an active infection.
Also Read: What Exactly Does an Orthopedic Doctor Do?
What are the Treatments for Bone Tuberculosis?
➤ Antitubercular Medications: These drugs are prescribed for six-months. It helps in alleviating the mycobacterium infection. The duration of the treatment and drug regimen depends on the patient’s condition and infection complexity.
➤ Surgery: Surgery might be necessary in the case where the infection has damaged the bone to a serious extent. Some of the surgical options include debridement, abscess drainage, joint reconstruction, and bone grafting.
➤ Supportive Care: The patients with bone tuberculosis require treatment options to manage pain, orthopedic support, physiotherapy, etc, to preserve joint function.
Conclusion
Bone tuberculosis is a very serious disease that needs immediate medical attention. If you encounter any of the above mentioned symptoms, visit the best orthopedic hospital in Vadodara– Dr Uday Meghnathi’s clinic. He is an exceptionally experienced orthopedic doctor with training in providing Bone TB treatment. His clinic is well-equipped with modern amenities and advanced medical technology. Trust us with your diagnosis, and we will provide you with the most affordable and precise treatment. Call to book an appointment with us.
Also Read: Conditions Treated with Hip Arthroscopy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, bone TB can be cured with early detection and accurate treatment.
The bone TB is not contagious and does not spread easily. However, coming in contact with its pus can cause infection.
Bone TB can be checked by getting an X-ray, MRI, and CT scan.
