TUBERCULOSIS OF THE OSTEOARTICULAR SYSTEM - DIAGNOSTIC PROBLEMS

Tuberculosis is still a significant disease in Switzerland, mainly bec ause of the number of immigrants from endemic countries and the AIDS e pidemic. The osteoarticular system is affected in a minority (3.1%) of cases; diagnosis is difficult but extremely important since classical treatment by medication started without delay brings about complete r ecovery, whereas lack of therapy can result in persistent pain and los s of joint function. Therefore, diagnostic procedures must not be limi ted to x-ray examination alone, but cultures and antibiotic sensitivit y tests must be performed in order to select the appropriate antibioti c therapy. Cultures and histological analysis of the synovial membrane and fluid are the most reliable diagnostic tools.