Tuberculosis ( hip )

• Osteoarticular TB is typically caused by the hematogenous spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli originating from a primary focus, such as the lungs or lymph nodes. These bacteria can then settle in the synovium or bone, forming granulomas, caseation necrosis, and eventual destruction of the joint
• tuberculosis of the hip starts as a synovitis and can cause rapid destruction of the femoral head
• healing leaves a fibrous anklylosis with limb deformity and shortening
• treatment - in the short term treatment is the same as conventional septic arthritis; however long-term anti-tuberculosis therapy is required after the acute phase (2)

Reference

1. Tuli S et al. Tuberculosis of hip: a current concept review. Indian J Orthop. 2015;49:1–9
2. NICE. Tuberculosis. NICE guideline NG33. Published January 2016, last updated February 2024