J Korean Orthop Assoc.  1974 Dec;9(4):475-480. 10.4055/jkoa.1974.9.4.475.

Preservation of Mobility in the Treatment of Tuberculous Knee Joint

• Choi KH
• Kang CN
• Kim JH

• KMID: 2471473
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.1974.9.4.475

Abstract

In the treatment of tuberculosis of major weight bearing 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, paraaminosalicylic 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 year 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 useful range of motion preserved by surgical eradication of the lesion and chemotherapy provided the articular cartilage is intact or only mildly destroyed.

MeSH Terms

Cartilage
Cartilage, Articular
Curettage
Drug Therapy
Femur
Follow-Up Studies
Immobilization
Joints
Knee Joint*
Knee*
Range of Motion, Articular
Rifampin
Streptomycin
Tuberculosis
Weight-Bearing
Rifampin
Streptomycin