Tuberculosis of Calcaneus – A Case Report and Review of Literature

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarticular tuberculosis (TB) constitutes 1-3 % of cases and about 10% of osteoarticular TB affects the foot and ankle. In foot, TB calcaneus is the most commonly affected bone. CASE REPORT: A 21-year-old male presented with pain, swelling in the right heel for 5 months and difficulty in walking for 2 months. Plain X-ray (axial) view of calcaneus showed a lytic lesion in calcaneus. Biopsy was done under local anaesthesia and histologic examination revealed a characteristic granuloma, caseous necrosis, and Langhans giant cells which confirmed our diagnosis. The patient was treated with anti-TB chemotherapy for 12 months. Radiographs at 18 months follow-up showed a healed lesion. At present, the patient is comfortable with no complaints. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: TB calcaneus is rare condition and a high index of clinical suspicion along with imaging studies helps in diagnosis. Conservative management with anti-TB chemotherapy for adequate duration helps in complete resolution of the infection with good functional results.