TUBERCULOSIS OF THE BONE AND JOINTS

In developing countries tuberculosis of the bones and joints is a dise ase with an endemic character. In industrialized nations it is also ga ining importance again as a result of social problems and of cases of immune deficiency. After the bacteriologic/histologic diagnosis of tub erculosis of the bones and joints, the primary therapy is non-operativ e with immobilization and antituberculous chemotherapy. Nevertheless, there are indications when an abscess and arthrodesis or spondylodesis must be cleaned operatively. An absolute and urgent indication for op erative cleansing and stabilization is acute progressive paraplegia.