A Rare Case of Tuberculosis in the Lumbar Facet Joint

Abstract

Tuberculosis of the posterior elements is a rare and destructive form characterised by the destruction of the lamina, pedicle, or facet joints. Delay in clinical diagnosis and presentation is common because of poor visualisation of facet joints in X-rays. A 55-year-old male presented with back and left leg pain lasting for six months, accompanied by weakness in dorsiflexion of the left foot and ankle. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed features suggestive of L4-L5 facetal arthritis on the left side, including marrow oedema, bone erosions, a posterior paraspinal abscess, and nerve root compression. The patient underwent posterior decompression and stabilisation, along with abscess drainage. The specimen was sent for histopathological examination, confirming the diagnosis of facetal joint tuberculosis. Antituberculous treatment was given for 12 months, that showed improved neurological status. This case is presented due to its rarity, highlighting the importance of considering facetal joint tuberculosis as a potential cause in cases of progressively increasing lower back pain, even in the absence of constitutional symptoms.

Keywords

• antitubercular treatment
• facetal arthritis
• paraspinal abscess
• posterior element tuberculosis