title: Tuberculosis of the upper extremity.
abstract: Twelve cases of tuberculosis of the upper extremity over a 5-year period are presented. The average time to diagnosis was 5 months. All patients were treated with a regimen of combination antituberculous chemotherapy for a minimum of 6 months, initial splinting, and intensive physiotherapy. The indications for surgery were limited, with biopsy being the most common procedure. Patients with tenosynovitis underwent tenosynovectomy, and nerve decompression was performed when indicated clinically. Large abscesses were drained. No patient had bony debridement or early arthrodesis to control the infection. The pre- and posttreatment range of motion was recorded, with a mean follow up of 25.4 months. Employing this regimen resulted in resolution of infection and an improved range of motion in 11 patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, and University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Skoll
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Hudson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001132:Arm; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014394:Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents