Short Communication - (2023) Volume 9, Issue 11
Received: 29-Nov-2023, Manuscript No. IPJIDT-24-18813; Editor assigned: 01-Dec-2023, Pre QC No. IPJIDT-24-18813 (PQ); Reviewed: 15-Dec-2023, QC No. IPJIDT-24-18813; Revised: 20-Dec-2023, Manuscript No. IPJIDT-24-18813 (R); Published: 27-Dec-2023, DOI: 10.36648/2472-1093-9.11.110
Tuberculosis of the lateral condyle of the femur is a rare and atypical manifestation of skeletal tuberculosis, a condition primarily associated with pulmonary involvement. While tuberculosis predominantly affects the lungs, extrapulmonary presentations, including skeletal tuberculosis, underscore the versatility of this infectious disease. Tuberculosis involving the lateral condyle of the femur poses diagnostic challenges due to its unusual location and potential for mimicking other musculoskeletal conditions. The lateral condyle of the femur is an infrequent site for tuberculosis involvement, and its rarity contributes to the diagnostic complexity. Typically, skeletal tuberculosis affects weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees, but cases involving other bones, including the femur, have been reported. The clinical presentation is often insidious, with patients experiencing pain, swelling, and restricted joint movement. These symptoms can be nonspecific, resembling those of other orthopedic conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis and intervention.
Diagnostic evaluation of tuberculosis affecting the lateral condyle of the femur involves a combination of imaging studies, laboratory tests, and, if necessary, histopathological examination. X-rays may reveal bone destruction, periarticular osteoporosis, and joint space narrowing. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is valuable in assessing soft tissue involvement and detecting the characteristic features of tuberculosis, such as abscess formation. In some cases, computed tomography (CT) scans may provide additional details, aiding in the differential diagnosis. Laboratory tests, including tuberculin skin testing and interferon-gamma release assays, may support the suspicion of tuberculosis, although they are not definitive for skeletal involvement. Aspiration of joint fluid for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear and culture, along with histopathological examination of a biopsy sample, can provide confirmatory evidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Treatment of tuberculosis affecting the lateral condyle of the femur involves a multidisciplinary approach, often requiring collaboration between orthopedic surgeons and infectious disease specialists. Antitubercular medications, including isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, form the cornerstone of treatment. Surgical intervention may be necessary in cases of extensive bone destruction, joint deformity, or the presence of abscesses. The goal is to control the infection, alleviate symptoms, and preserve joint function. The rarity of tuberculosis in the lateral condyle of the femur emphasizes the need for heightened clinical awareness and a thorough diagnostic workup in the presence of atypical musculoskeletal symptoms. Distinguishing tuberculosis from other inflammatory or neoplastic conditions affecting the bones requires a comprehensive evaluation, considering clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings [1-4].
In conclusion, tuberculosis involving the lateral condyle of the femur represents a unique and infrequent manifestation of skeletal tuberculosis. Its atypical location and clinical presentation necessitate a vigilant approach in considering tuberculosis as a differential diagnosis in cases of musculoskeletal involvement. As medical practitioners encounter rare presentations, the amalgamation of clinical acumen, advanced imaging modalities, and confirmatory laboratory tests becomes paramount in unraveling the complexities of tuberculosis affecting the lateral condyle of the femur. Though the incidence of skeletal tuberculosis has decreased among the European population, it is still on the rise among Asian, African, and American populations. The metaphysis is the most common site of the initial lesion, which could either be contained or spread to the epiphysis, where it could affect the adjacent joint.
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The author declares there is no conflict of interest in publishing this article.
Citation: James J (2023) Unusual Suspect: Tuberculosis Masquerading in the Lateral Femoral Condyle. J Infect Dis Treat. 9:110.
Copyright: © 2023 James J. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
