Tubercular arthritis of elbow joint leading to radial nerve palsy: a rare presentation of a common disease

Abstract

Tuberculosis of the elbow is a rare manifestation of musculoskeletal tuberculosis, accounting for only 2–5% of total number of cases. Peripheral neuropathy associated with tuberculosis is an even rarer phenomenon with very few cases described in literature, mainly involving either the ulnar nerve or the posterior interosseous nerve. This rarity of occurrence often leads to missed diagnoses. Here we present the case of a gentleman who had presented with tubercular arthritis of the elbow joint leading to radial nerve palsy. The diagnosis was established on the basis of elbow radiographs and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), nerve conduction studies and tru-cut biopsy of the synovium. The patient showed significant improvement with anti-tuberculous drug therapy.

Keywords

• elbow
• neuropathy
• tuberculosis