Tuberculosis of the greater trochanter. Report of four cases

Clinical and diagnostic features of trochanteric tuberculosis

Trochanteric tuberculosis is a very rare localization of musculo-skeletal tuberculosis. The diagnosis is difficult and is often made in a late stage. The authors describe five cases of trochanteric tuberculosis. The mean age of patients was 46.6 years. Time to diagnosis was long (7.6 months on average). The tuberculosis was plurifocal in all cases. Diagnosis was based on positive Lowenstein culture in one case, on the presence of caseum granuloma in one case and through a pathognommonic manifestation in one case. For the remaining two cases, diagnosis was established on clinical and paraclinical arguments. The patients recovered after medical treatment alone.

Bursectomy, Curettage, and Chemotherapy in Tuberculous Trochanteric Bursitis

We presented three patients with trochanteric tuberculosis and described the clinical and imaging findings of the infection. Histology revealed a necrotizing granulomatous bursitis and microbiology confirmed tuberculosis. All cases were successfully treated with bursectomy and curettage of the trochanteric lesion and antituberculous chemotherapy including isoniazid, pyrazinamide, rifampicin, and ethambutol.

Recurrent Tuberculosis of Greater Trochanter and Its Bursa

A 65-year-old female had a history of tuberculosis of the left greater trochanter 30 years ago. She underwent 6 months of chemotherapy after which the disease healed completely. Currently she presented to us with pain and swelling on the lateral aspect of left hip of 2-month duration. Clinical and radiological findings were suggestive of a recurrence. Biopsy was conclusive for tuberculosis. She was successfully treated with debridement and curettage with chemotherapy for 1 year. Recurrent tuberculosis of the greater trochanter is rare and should be aggressively treated.