Skeletal Tuberculosis

Skeletal tuberculosis is a form of tuberculosis (TB) that affects the bones and joints. It occurs when the bacteria responsible for TB spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, including the spine, hips, or knees. This can lead to pain, swelling, and sometimes deformities in the affected areas. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with untreated TB or HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk. Treatment usually involves a long course of antibiotics, similar to pulmonary TB, but may also require surgery in severe cases to relieve pain or stabilize the bone structure.