TUBERCULOUS INFECTION OF THE HAND AND WRIST

The authors report on 23 patients treated for tuberculosis of the hand and wrist during the past 20 years. Duration of symptoms prior to dia gnosis ranged from several months to years. Swelling and pain on motio n were common symptoms, as was increased sedimentation rate. Granuloma tous inflammation was seen on paraffin section in mast of the patients , however tissue cultures were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in only 6 patients in this study. Treatment of these patients was div ided into medical and surgical treatments, The incisional biopsy and a ntituberculous drug were carried out and administered in the medical-t reated group for 2 years. The surgical synovectomy as well as debridem ent and administration of antituberculous drugs were carried out on th e surgical group, The results showed no recurrence in this study. Most of the patients showed improved symptoms and an increased range of mo tion, In conclusion, this treatment resulted in good recovery of funct ion with low morbidity.