Cystic tuberculosis osteomyelitis of the distal tibia in infancy

Abstract

One-third of tuberculosis cases affect the musculoskeletal system. Solitary bone tuberculosis is a rare condition in infancy, has non-specific findings, and can be misdiagnosed easily. Cystic form tuberculosis may mimic many other pathologic conditions. In our case report, we present tuberculosis osteomyelitis of the distal tibia in a baby aged ten months who visited our outpatient department with swelling and pain in their left ankle. Curettage and debridement was performed twice for the lesion. An under-knee splint was applied for 3 months and anti-tuberculosis treatment was given for 12 months. There was no relapse during a five-year follow-up period. There was no epiphysis injury and deformity. In this case report, we discuss that bone tuberculosis, as a rare condition, must be considered in lytic lesions of the distal tibia metaphysis in infancy.