In the treatment of tuberculosis of major weight beazing joint, preservation of mobility is a critical trial. However, since advent of anti-tuberculous drugs, surgical eradication of the lesion combined with chemotherapy may be expected to arrest the pathological process without sacrificing joint motion.
We treated five cases of tuberculosis of the knee by synovectomy and curettage of bony focus. All were given routine medication of INAH, pazaaminosalicylic acid, streptomycin and Rifampicin. Cast immobilization was maintained for eight weeks, followed by joint exercise.
All but one had improved range of motion in one and a half year to 7 yeaz follow-up studies. The one case which failed to regain motion had destruction of the cartilage of the lateral condyle of the femur and eventually became ankylosed.
We believe that tuberculosis of major weight bearing joints, notably the knee, may be sucessfully treated and usefpl range of motion preserved by surgical eradication of the lesion and chemotherapy provided the articular cartilage is intact or only mildly destroyed.
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