Physical therapist management of tuberculous arthritis of the elbow.
OBJECTIVE
Tuberculous arthritis is not commonly seen by physical therapists in the United States. The purpose of this case report is to describe a case of tuberculous arthritis of the elbow.


METHODS
The patient was a 36-year-old man referred for physical therapy evaluation and intervention for chronic elbow pain. After an evaluation and a trial of physical therapy, the patient was referred back to a primary care provider for additional tests to rule out systemic pathology. An open debridement of synovium and biopsy of the capitellum and radial head was positive for acid-fast bacilli, which was later identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.


RESULTS
The patient was placed on a 4-drug antituberculosis regimen that resolved all patient complaints and restored full elbow function.


CONCLUSIONS
Tuberculous arthritis has characteristic findings during examination and in diagnostic tests. Although tuberculous arthritis is uncommon, it should be considered when patients have chronic or vague musculoskeletal complaints.
Dahl
C S
CS
Federal Medical Center, E Center St, Rochester, MN 55903, USA.cdahl@bop.gov
D000328:Adult; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004576:Electromyography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D014394:Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000534:rehabilitation*
D000995:Antitubercular Agents