Haemophilic arthropathy: a case of misdiagnosis

Abstract This article describes a case of wrongly managed haemophilic arthropathy in a 15-year-old boy in Uganda. Delayed diagnosis of haemophilia and misdiagnosis of haemophilic arthropathy resulted in unnecessary corrective surgery and potentially severe complications. After haemophilia was diagnosed, he was managed by haematologists using factor VIII and regular physiotherapy. The physiotherapy treatment approach focused in particular on functional activities, which was beneficial in achieving quicker results and made the patient’s rehabilitation more meaningful. This case indicates that there is a need for greater awareness of the presentation of haemophilia in developing countries.