Tuberculosis of the upper extremity

Twelve cases of tuberculosis of the upper extremity over a 5-year period ar e presented. The average time to diagnosis was 5 months. All patients were treated with a regimen of combination antituberculous chemotherapy for a mi nimum of 6 months, initial splinting, and intensive physiotherapy, The indi cations for surgery were limited, with biopsy being the most common procedu re. Patients with tenosynovitis underwent tenosynovectomy, and nerve decomp ression was performed when indicated clinically. Large abscesses were drain ed. No patient had bony debridement or early arthrodesis to control the inf ection. The pre- and posttreatment range of motion was recorded, with a mea n follow up of 25.4 months. Employing this regimen resulted in resolution o f infection and an improved range of motion in 11 patients.