Tuberculous arthritis

Treatment:

The treatment is to control the tuberculous infection with anti-tubercular medications. Analgesics and heat or cold to the joints may provide symptomatic relief of pain. Surgical treatment may be necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

This form of arthritis can be very destructive to the tissues. Control of the infection should prevent further joint involvement; however, joint destruction may take place before the infection is controlled.

Complications:

• vertebral collapse resulting in kyphosis
• spinal cord compression
• joint destruction

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder, or if other tuberculosis symptoms, are present.