Atypical skeletal tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis remains a major cause of skeletal infection in many parts of the world. With the advent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and mass emigration from underdeveloped to industrialized nations this past decade, a new patient population is being encountered in which extrapulmonary tuberculosis is not uncommon and atypical presentations may confuse the diagnosis. Our recent experience with an unusual presentation has prompted this report.