A 45-year-old woman presents with progressive painful restriction of the right shoulder for 8 months. There is marked wasting of the deltoid and periscapular muscles, but minimal swelling. Radiograph shows severe periarticular osteoporosis with preserved joint space. Which form of skeletal tuberculosis does this represent?
- A Caries sicca (atrophic form) ✓
- B Caries exudata (fulminant form)
- C Caries mobile (hypermobile form)
- D Caries sicca with secondary pyogenic infection
Correct answer: A. Caries sicca (atrophic form)
Explanation
Caries sicca is the atrophic form of tuberculous arthritis of the shoulder, characterized by minimal effusion, severe muscle wasting, marked periarticular osteoporosis, and preserved joint space. The fulminant form (caries exudata) presents with large cold abscess and sinus formation. The hypermobile form is not a recognized classification of TB shoulder.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.