Chronic osteomyelitis of the hand by Mycobacterium kansasii in an immunocompromised patient

Atypical mycobacteria are pathogens that uncommonly infect the hand. These organisms capable of causing extensive bone damage in Mycobacterium kansasii is a slow growing non-tuberculous Mycobacterium. It second most common mainly affects hand and joints. Immunosuppressed patients more likely to develop infection. Because extrapulmonary involvement M. rare, skin soft tissue infections infrequent; osteomyelitis even rarer. A history trauma frequent. There delay diagnosis antibiotics have been given with no response. Imaging studies recommended diagnostic approach, magnetic resonance imaging being best option show involvement. Infected culture has greater sensitivity for diagnosis. Treatment musculoskeletal consists multiple susceptibility-based antiretroviral therapy HIV coinfection, combined surgical management incision drainage.