Jatin Prakash1. 1. H-19/82, Sec-7, Rohini 110085, India.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Osteo-articular tuberculosis accounts for 1-3% of which 5-8% involves sacro-illiac joint. Isolated sacroiliac involvement is very rare. It usually presents as vague back pain. Plain radiographs are often inconclusive. Due to rarity of lesion, vague symptoms and non-conclusive X-rays the diagnosis is further delayed. We present a series of 35 patients presented with sacroiliac tuberculosis. METHODS: 35 patients were diagnosed of sacroiliac tuberculosis from January 2008 to December 2011. After a thorough history and clinical examination, patients were taken up for X-rays and MRI scans. Ultrasound guided needle aspiration was done from suspected area. After histological confirmation of the diagnosis, patients were treated with anti tubercular therapy. RESULTS: Persistent low back pain and difficulty with walking were noted in all patients. There were 21 males (60%) and 14 females and the age ranged from 22 to 55 years (mean: 27 years). Most of the patients (91.4%) had unilateral disease (32 patients). Results of conservative management were good. 21 (60%) of our patients achieved bony ankylosis at the end of study. 9 patients did not respond to conservative management where surgical debridement was done. 4 of these cases had MDR tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: Sacroiliac tuberculosis must be kept as a differential in all refractory low back pain particularly in endemic areas. MRI is very helpful in early diagnosis of disease. In the early stages of the infection aspiration using a closed needle biopsy is recommended. An open biopsy is essential when the aspirate yields no growth. Open debridement should be done in those not responding to conservative management.
INTRODUCTION:Osteo-articular tuberculosis accounts for 1-3% of which 5-8% involves sacro-illiac joint. Isolated sacroiliac involvement is very rare. It usually presents as vague back pain. Plain radiographs are often inconclusive. Due to rarity of lesion, vague symptoms and non-conclusive X-rays the diagnosis is further delayed. We present a series of 35 patients presented with sacroiliac tuberculosis. METHODS: 35 patients were diagnosed of sacroiliac tuberculosis from January 2008 to December 2011. After a thorough history and clinical examination, patients were taken up for X-rays and MRI scans. Ultrasound guided needle aspiration was done from suspected area. After histological confirmation of the diagnosis, patients were treated with anti tubercular therapy. RESULTS: Persistent low back pain and difficulty with walking were noted in all patients. There were 21 males (60%) and 14 females and the age ranged from 22 to 55 years (mean: 27 years). Most of the patients (91.4%) had unilateral disease (32 patients). Results of conservative management were good. 21 (60%) of our patients achieved bony ankylosis at the end of study. 9 patients did not respond to conservative management where surgical debridement was done. 4 of these cases had MDR tuberculosis. CONCLUSION:Sacroiliac tuberculosis must be kept as a differential in all refractory low back pain particularly in endemic areas. MRI is very helpful in early diagnosis of disease. In the early stages of the infection aspiration using a closed needle biopsy is recommended. An open biopsy is essential when the aspirate yields no growth. Open debridement should be done in those not responding to conservative management.