Title : Uncommon presentation of calcaneal tuberculosis: A case report
Abstract:
Tuberculosis (TB), primarily affecting the lungs, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While pulmonary TB remains the most common presentation, extrapulmonary manifestations, particularly involving the musculoskeletal system, contribute significantly to the global burden of TB. Osteoarticular TB, encompassing infection of the bones and joints, accounts for approximately 1-3% of all TB cases, highlighting the ubiquitous nature of this pathogen. Amongst the diverse presentations of osteoarticular TB, involvement of the calcaneus is exceedingly rare, representing a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This case report presents a rare instance of calcaneal tuberculosis in a 16-year-old girl, emphasizing the importance of considering this diagnosis in young individuals presenting with persistent heel pain and swelling. It further underscores the need for a high index of suspicion, early diagnostic imaging, and prompt initiation of anti-tuberculosis therapy to prevent long-term sequelae and improve clinical outcomes.
