Tuberculous arthritis of the wrist: differential diagnosis and case report

Abstract

Tuberculous arthritis usually occurs in the spine, hip, or knee. Tuberculosis is not usually considered early in the evaluation of monoarticular arthritis of a non- weight-bearing joint. We wish to présent a case in which progressive destruction of the wrist occurred in a patient with minimal symptoms and no systemic complaints, thus emphasizing the insidious nature of the disease. A high index of suspicion is necessary if proper diagnosis and medical management are to be instituted.