Tuberculosis of the extra-axial skeleton in paediatric patients

Abstract

Musculoskeletal tuberculosis (MSK TB) is a disease entity that often mimics other orthopaedic conditions in its radiographic and clinical presentation, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this study is to examine the clinical and radiographic presentation as well as the accuracy of various diagnostic tests, treatment, complications and outcome in paediatric patients diagnosed with MSK TB. We aim to provide insight into typical presenting features in order to expedite diagnosis in this perplexing disease.