Work

Seventeen years to mobility: delayed total knee arthroplasty for post-tuberculous arthritis—A case report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Tuberculous arthritis of the knee is an uncommon manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that can be misdiagnosed and lead to severe joint destruction. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a rare case of a 40-year-old Buddhist male patient from Bhutan with an 18-year history of progressive knee stiffness and pain following sports-related knee injury, later diagnosed as tuberculous arthritis. After delayed diagnosis and treatment, the patient underwent successful total knee arthroplasty performed by an international surgical team. RESULT: Postoperatively, the patient regained 90° of flexion with full extension at 6 months, with no evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for tuberculous arthritis in endemic regions and illustrates how delayed but appropriate surgical intervention can restore function and quality of life.

Source: Journal of Medical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1186/s13256-025-05823-w

Authors: Nomina Pradhan, Ujal Pradhan, Chandhanarat Chandhanayingyong, Keerati Chareancholvanich

Institutions: Central Regional Referral Hospital, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, University of Toronto, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University

Language: English

Topic: Infectious Diseases and Tuberculosis

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,890