Journal of clinical orthopaedics and trauma
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J Clin Orthop Trauma · Sep 2014
Sacroiliac tuberculosis - A neglected differential in refractory low back pain - Our series of 35 patients.
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. ⋯ 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.