Tuberculosis of Patella Complicated by Synovitis of Knee Joint: A Case Report

Tuberculosis of the patella complicated with synovitis of the knee joint is a rare complication of tuberculosis. Knee joint tuberculosis is usually caused by pulmonary tuberculosis. A few cases are caused by tuberculosis of the digestive tract or lymphatics. Herein, we present a case of a 27-year-old female who presented with left knee pain and swelling that has been managed conservatively with analgesia and hot fomentation over the last two years without improvement. Initial drainage of pus with synovectomy provided improvement. However, anti-tubercular therapy with arthrotomy provided immediate improvement with the resolution of the pain and swelling, and the patient’s gait recovered back to normal. Careful investigation of a patient with prolonged knee pain and swelling is recommended to avoid misdiagnosis with tuberculosis of the patella as a possible differential.