Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as the Initial Manifestation of Wrist Bone Tuberculosis: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2020 Oct-Dec;10(4):e20.00193. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.20.00193.

Abstract

Case: We report the case of a patient with bone tuberculosis (TB) of the wrist, whose initial manifestation mimicked the typical clinical presentation of carpal tunnel syndrome. This misdiagnosis lead to surgical mistreatment. After no clinical improvement, thorough study was carried out, and bone TB was diagnosed. Tuberculostatic treatment was performed for 12 months. Wrist arthrodesis was performed after 6 months because of pain and very limited flexion-extension range of motion.

Conclusion: Our case highlights the importance of differential diagnoses in the face of such frequent and suggestive symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carpal Bones* / diagnostic imaging
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome* / etiology
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular* / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular* / diagnostic imaging
  • Wrist
  • Wrist Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Wrist Joint / surgery