Recalcitrant scrofuloderma due to rib tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) of the ribs is extremely rare and its diagnosis is often delayed due to the late appearance of radiologic signs. Although antituberculous drugs are the mainstay of treatment, surgery has a definite therapeutic role in recalcitrant or recurrent cases. A 5-year-old boy with scrofuloderma of the chest wall due to underlying TB of the rib, who responded partially to antituberculous treatment is reported. Surgical resection of the affected rib led to complete resolution. Early diagnosis of TB of this rare site and the role of surgical intervention in such cases is emphasized.