A rare form of tuberculosis affecting the bones is known as bone tuberculosis, sometimes also called skeletal tuberculosis or tuberculous osteomyelitis
Humanity has been distressed by tuberculosis in its pulmonary form, for centuries. However, a lesser-known but no less important facet of this contagious disease is its impact on bones.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the primary cause of bone tuberculosis, the same bacteria causing pulmonary tuberculosis. It is also known as skeletal tuberculosis or Pott's disease. Bone tuberculosis is a chronic and harmful contagion. Even though bone tuberculosis is not a common infection, it still showcases particular challenges and healthcare professionals.
If you have symptoms like bone deformities or neurological complications, book your appointment with the expert pulmonologists in Kolkata at the Calcutta Medical Research Institute. They will ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment options suitable for your condition.
In this blog, we will cover the important aspects of bone tuberculosis, so make sure to stay tuned till the end. However, kindly note that this blog is research-based, and we do not encourage overlooking the pulmonologist’s consultation in any way.
A rare form of tuberculosis affecting the bones is known as bone tuberculosis, sometimes also called skeletal tuberculosis or tuberculous osteomyelitis. The primary cause of this type of tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a bacterial contagion that impacts the lungs (pulmonary tuberculosis). However, it can move to other body parts including the bones via the circulatory systems and lymphatic.
Usually, the typical cause of bone tuberculosis is hematogenous transmission (bloodborne) of the bacteria from another infected area in the body. This condition affects several bones, primarily, the spine including other skeletal structures.
Bone tuberculosis symptoms can be mild initially and may appear slowly in time. Here are some tuberculosis symptoms could be:
As per healthcare professionals, mycobacterium tuberculosis is the primary bone tuberculosis cause. Here are some of the following factors that cause the emergence of bone TB:
Bone tuberculosis, also called skeletal or osteoarticular tuberculosis, is often diagnosed by a healthcare professional team involving the use of imaging studies, laboratory testing, clinical assessment, and medical history. Here are the standard procedures for bone TB diagnosis:
Bone tuberculosis treatment often involves combining antibiotics and surgical intervention if needed. Here are some options usually recommended by a healthcare professional to treat bone TB:
Bone tuberculosis is not very common but is a serious condition that can hugely affect a person's quality of life. In this write-up, we have discussed its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and available options for treatment. It's crucial to identify the symptoms and risk factors of bone tuberculosis, but it's also vital to understand that the condition is curable with early diagnosis and the right medical attention.
Yes, bone TB is curable with early detection and proper medical attention.
Bone TB is not contagious until the person doesn’t come into contact with the patient’s pus.
Bone TB cannot spread to others through the air but an individual can get affected through blood if unaffected ones come into contact with the bodily fluids.
Written and Verified by:
Dr. Raja Dhar has joined as Director & HOD, Department of Pulmonology at The Calcutta Medical Research Institute. Dr Dhar brings with himself more than 27 years of experience in Pulmonology, Critical Medical Management and Interventional Pulmonology. Dr. Dhar is proficient in all disciplines of Respiratory Medicine including airways disease, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, transplant, lung cancer, sleep medicine, lung infections including TB, and respiratory emergencies. His special interest lies in Interventional Pulmonology including electrocautery, APC, cryotherapy, stent placements and Medical Thoracoscopy. He is passionate about teaching and is an avid researcher and academician.
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