Tuberculous tibial osteomyelitis with ankle joint arthritis in an immuno-competent patient: An atypical case presentation

Abstract

Tuberculosis is called the great masquerader as it can mimic other diseases because of its varied clinical presentations. Evolving alongside the humans over the years mycobacteria developed various defence mechanisms to avoid detection and destruction by the host. Bone and joint TB is an extra pulmonary TB and its incidence varies with age and the socioeconomic status of the people and the country as a whole. In this case report we present a patient who had both TB osteomyelitis and arthritis which is an unusual and atypical presentation.