Tuberculosis of the elbow joint

Tuberculosis remains a major health issue worldwide, with a growing incidence in the UK; 8500 new cases were reported in 2006. However, musculoskeletal involvement is still infrequently reported in the medical literature, especially in the developed world. The lack of familiarity with tuberculosis in general, as well as specific signs and symptoms of extrapulmonary involvement may be contributory factors to a delay in diagnosis of atypical presentations. The case presented, of a 24-year-old man with a 6-month history of worsening elbow pain and range of movement, illustrates the high level of clinical suspicion needed for the early diagnosis of tuberculosis involving the bones and joints.