A 25-year-old man presents with painful swelling of the right elbow for 6 months with progressive restriction of both flexion and extension. There is no sinus formation. Radiograph shows periarticular osteoporosis with preserved joint space and marginal erosions. Which statement about tuberculosis of the elbow is correct?

• A It is the most common site of peripheral joint tuberculosis
• B It typically presents with a large cold abscess as the earliest feature
• C It characteristically spares the olecranon and involves only the humeral condyles
• D It is rare and presents with painful restriction of movement and periarticular osteoporosis ✓

Explanation

Tuberculosis of the elbow is rare, accounting for only 1-5% of skeletal TB. It presents with painful restriction of movement, periarticular osteoporosis, and marginal erosions. The hip and knee are far more common peripheral sites. Cold abscess formation is not the earliest feature, and the disease involves the entire joint including the olecranon.

Reference: Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.