Adult Primary Tuberculosis of Lateral End of Clavicle – A Case of Missed Diagnosis

INTRODUCTION: Of the largest series on osteoarticular tuberculosis (TB) by Tuli et al. involving 1074 cases, only seven involved clavicle. It is also noted that the lateral end of the clavicle has been less frequently involved by tubercular disease than the medial end. We present a case of primary tubercular involvement of the lateral end of the clavicle and discuss its management by an innovative modification of the Weaver-Dunn procedure. CASE REPORT: Twenty-five-year-old working women came with complaints of swelling in her left shoulder for the past 2 months. On examination, swelling with restricted shoulder movements was noted. Radiological evaluation revealed an osteolytic lesion with a pathological fracture in the lateral end of the clavicle. With a provisional diagnosis of giant cell tumor, we proceeded with fine-needle aspiration cytology which was inconclusive. Blood parameters were within normal limits. We proceeded with the excision biopsy of the lateral end of the clavicle and stabilization with a modified Weaver-Dunn procedure involving the reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligament and augmentation with an Endobutton loop. Biopsy reported the lesion to be of tuberculous etiology. The patient made a good recovery without any complications. CONCLUSION: Primary TB of the clavicle is a rarity that mimics other diseases like a tumor; hence, clinicians should be aware of a wide range of presentations to diagnose such an entity. Although antitubercular treatment remains the mainstay of treatment, surgical resection is justified in cases of uncertain diagnosis or disease not responding to conservative lines of management and in cases that need the removal of the sequestrum.