Tuberculosis of the Elbow in Teenager: A Rare Case

Abstract

This paper aimed to report a rare case of elbow tuberculosis in a teenager with nonspecific symptoms and a prolonged diagnostic journey, in order to increase clinical awareness of bone TB in uncommonly affected sites. This is a case report of a 17-year-old female teenager experienced pain and swelling of the left elbow for 13 months. Radiological examination revealed osteolytic lesions consistent with Brodie's abscess. The diagnosis was established through GeneXpert testing that detected rifampicin-sensitive Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient had undergone arthroscopy, debridement, abscess curettage, and bone grafting, then initiated intensive-phase anti-tuberculosis therapy with supportive treatment. This case highlights the necessity of an extensive clinical, radiological, and microbiological evaluation in chronic joint pain in order to obtain an early diagnosis of elbow tuberculosis, allowing long-term therapy can be promptly initiated and joint deformity complications prevented.