TUBERCULOUS OSTEOMYELITIS IN THUMB: A RARE CASE

Although tuberculous osteomyelitis is rare in the general population, it should still be considered as a
threat to human health. A 52-year-old woman acutely develops a progressively painful swelling on the
tip of her right thumb. On laboratory examination, there is no abnormality except for a slight increase
in acute phase inflammatory tests (ESR and CRP). A right-hand x-ray showed an expansile lytic lesion.
Microscopic examination revealed tuberculosis granuloma. Anti-tuberculous chemotherapy started for
two months with a regimen composed of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol and then
followed by a ten month regimen consisting of isoniazid and rifampicin. Bone tuberculosis should
always be considered by physicians, as early diagnosis and treatment will prevent additional serious
complications of the disease