According to accepted Indian practice for uncomplicated tuberculosis of a large joint such as the hip or knee, the recommended total duration of antitubercular chemotherapy is:

• A 6 months
• B 9 months
• C 12 to 18 months ✓
• D 24 to 36 months of continuous therapy

Explanation

Indian convention for skeletal tuberculosis follows Tuli, who recommends multidrug therapy continued for 12 to 18 months depending on the site and response, because avascular bone and synovium respond more slowly than pulmonary lesions. The 6 month and 9 month regimens apply to pulmonary tuberculosis under WHO schedules and are insufficient for osseous disease, which is why option B tempts candidates familiar only with short-course therapy.

Reference: Tuli's Textbook of Tuberculosis of the Skeletal System, 5th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.