Unusual locations of osteoarticular tuberculosis (OA-TB) raise diagnostic issues due to their untypical and non-suggestive clinical and radiological presentation.

The present retrospective study analyzed the various clinical, radiological and therapeutic aspects.

A retrospective series included 12 children (mean age, 7years 4months; sex-ratio, 0.7), treated in our department between 1980 and 2010. Knee, hip and spine locations were excluded.

Mean time to diagnosis was 32months. Active TB infection was identified in 42% of cases. Pain was the presenting symptom in 83% of cases, with a preponderance of osteitis. Bone loss was the main radiological sign. Phemister’s triad was found in two cases of combined articular and bone infection. Diagnosis was confirmed on histology in 92% of cases. All patients were managed according to the Moroccan national TB protocol. Surgery was indicated in five cases, comprising abscess drainage with or without bone surgery (notably for joint dislocation). Four patients showed orthopedic sequelae, including two with associated spinal locations.

Rare osteoarticular tuberculosis locations often cause diagnostic problems. Any chronic clinical presentation or suspected atypical bone lesion should suggest a diagnosis of osteoarticular tuberculosis.

Level IV. Retrospective study.