Isolated cystic tuberculosis of scapula; case report and review of literature

Tubercular osteomylitis of scapula is extremely rare. The isolated involvement of this flat bone without any primary focus confuses the surgeon with other pathology and as a result there is always delay in diagnosis. This article discusses about an isolated multicystic tubercular lesion of scapula which remained untreated for about two years as the primary physician biased with the history of trauma and suspected it to be a post-traumatic hematoma. MRI picture was deceptive. Finally, diagnosis was established by fine needle aspiration which showed typical epitheloid granuloma on histology. Lack of awareness and nonspecific radiological picture may cause delay in diagnosis of scapular tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an important consideration in isolated scapular swelling particularly in endemic regions and the histological diagnosis by fine needle aspiration may be helpful in cases of doubtful radiological pictures.