Osteoarticular Tuberculosis of the Metatarsophalangeal Joint Presented as a Chronic Cystic Mass
10.4055/jkoa.2026.61.1.82
- Author:
Soon-Hyuck LEE
1
;
Dong-Hoon LEE
;
Seok-Min HWANG
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul Red Cross Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
2026;61(1):82-87
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Osteoarticular tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that typically involves weight-bearing joints such as the spine, pelvis, hip, and knee. Involvement of the foot is uncommon, with tuberculosis of the metatarsophalangeal joint being exceedingly rare. This paper reports a unique case of osteoarticular tuberculosis affecting the third metatarsophalangeal joint in a 79-year-old male, which has not been previously reported in Korea. Initially, the patient presented with a painless dorsal cyst over the joint that persisted for two years.As the lesion gradually enlarged and the symptoms developed, surgical excision was performed. A histopathological examination and molecular analysis of the resected tissue confirmed the diagnosis of osteoarticular tuberculosis. This case report highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by the nonspecific presentation of osteoarticular tuberculosis and emphasizes the need for clinical vigilance, particularly in regions with a low prevalence of tuberculosis.
