Introduction: Scrofuloderma results from direct extension of an underlying tuberculous focus such as bone, joint or even the epididymis to the overlying skin, but is more frequent over a lymph node, mainly in the cervical region.
Methods: We analysed all cases of scrofuloderma with a bone or joint focus evaluated in the sanitary area of Ferrol, with a current population of 220,000, during a 15-year period. We describe the clinical, histopathological, and microbiological data of patients.
Results: We found 6 cases of scrofuloderma with osteoarticular tuberculosis. This series includes five men and one woman, aged 37 to 80. Visceral involvement was found in 3 patients (50 %).
Conclusion: Osteoarticular tuberculosis comprises 10 % of all extrapulmonary tuberculous infections. There is a high probability of visceral involvement in patients with scrofuloderma. Underlying bone involvement should be rule out in all patients with scrofuloderma, especially in those with incomplete response to medical treatment.