Evaluation of patients admitted with musculoskeletal tuberculosis: Sixteen years’ experience from a single center in Turkey

Researchers conducted a retrospective observational study at a tuberculosis (TB) Dispensary in the east Mediterranean part of Turkey with the aim to describe musculoskeletal TB. Between 2004 and 2020, they identified 31 patients (3.2 % of all TB cases) with a mean age of 44.2 ± 16.7 years who were diagnosed with musculoskeletal tuberculosis. Findings overall suggest a very rare occurrence of musculoskeletal TB. The vertebra was identified to be the most affected area. Back pain was the most common complaint of the patients and was seen in 22 patients (70.9 %). Researchers herein emphasize surgeons and clinicians to be aware of the diagnosis of musculoskeletal TB infection as in cases with delayed diagnosis and treatment, spinal damage and other consequences might be incurable.