Bone Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Introduction:

When someone says “tuberculosis,” all of us immediately think of the lungs. But did you know that tuberculosis can also affect your bones? Yes, bone tuberculosis exists, and although not as common as pulmonary TB, it can be a serious complication if not treated. Thankfully, advanced orthopaedic solutions today give patients far better outcomes than in decades past.

Here in this blog, let’s divide it into parts: what bone TB is, how it is spread, the key bone tuberculosis symptoms, how it is diagnosed, the contribution of the TB vaccine, and the available treatments.

What is Bone Tuberculosis?

Bone tuberculosis, also known as skeletal TB, happens when the TB-causing bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, travel from the lungs to the bones via the bloodstream. The spine is the most commonly affected, followed by the hips, knees, and other weight-bearing joints.

This form of TB is sneaky because it develops slowly and can go unnoticed for months. But just like lung TB, bone TB can seriously impact quality of life if not caught and treated early.

Common Bone Tuberculosis Symptoms

Now let’s discuss symptoms. Unlike lung TB, bone TB tends to develop over time, making it more difficult to detect early on.

Below are some characteristic bone marrow tuberculosis symptoms to look out for:

• Chronic pain in bones or joints (mostly the spine)
• Swelling and tenderness above the affected area
• Stiffness of joints
• Pain in movement
• Weakness or tiredness
• Fever and sweating at night
• Weight loss
• Abscess or pus formation in bone vicinity
• Deformity of the spine or other bones (in late stages)
• Numbness or pain in nerves (if spinal nerves are pressed)

Sounds scary, right? But early detection makes all the difference.

What Causes Bone Tuberculosis?

You might be wondering how a lung infection can become the cause of tuberculosis of the bone.

Here’s the thing. The TB bacteria typically start in the lungs. In some people, especially those with a weak immune system, the bacteria travel through the bloodstream and settle in the bones or joints. This process can take weeks or even months before symptoms show up.

Some known risk factors include:

• Weakened immune system (due to HIV, cancer treatments, etc.)
• Malnutrition
• Close contact with TB patients
• Living in areas where TB is common (see the World Health Organization for updated statistics)

In short, anyone can get it, but some people are more at risk.

Is Bone Tuberculosis Communicable?

Unlike lung TB, bone marrow tuberculosis is not directly contagious. You can’t catch it from someone’s sneeze or cough. However, the original lung infection that caused it could be. So if someone has active TB in their lungs, yes, that part is communicable. But once it travels to the bones, it’s not passed on like the flu.

How Is Bone Tuberculosis Diagnosed?

Here’s what they typically do for bone tuberculosis diagnosis:

• Physical exam and symptom checking
• X-rays or MRIs to detect bone damage
• Blood tests
• TB skin test or interferon-gamma release assay (CDC overview)
• Biopsy of the infected tissue or bone
• Culture test to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Diagnosis might take time, but it’s crucial for proper treatment.

TB Vaccine: Can It Prevent Bone Tuberculosis?

Yes, let’s talk about the TB vaccine—officially known as the BCG vaccine (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin).

The BCG vaccine is typically administered to newborns in countries where TB is common, including India. While it doesn’t completely prevent infection, it offers significant protection against severe forms of TB, especially TB meningitis and bone or spinal TB in children.

Here’s the deal:

• The BCG vaccine is the most efficient in preventing childhood TB.
• Its protection tends to wear off over time, so it may not fully prevent adult TB.
• It’s not a guarantee, but it reduces the chances of complications if TB does occur.

For more updates on vaccines and public health, browse our Knowledge Center.

Bone Tuberculosis Treatment

And now for the best part—bone tuberculosis is curable!

Treatment is long-term but very successful when done properly. The aim is to destroy the TB bacteria, stop pain, and get the bone and joint functioning again.

This is what bone tuberculosis treatment typically involves:

• Anti-TB Drugs: A course of antibiotics (such as isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol) for 6 to 12 months.
• Pain Relief: Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs ease the pain.
• Rest and Immobilization: Rest or a brace may be required to avoid further damage in the spine or joint TB.
• Physiotherapy: Gentle exercises to enhance mobility once the infection is controlled.
• Surgery: In very severe cases (such as spinal cord compression), surgery might be necessary to remove damaged tissue or drain abscesses.

Treatment should be completed in full, even if early improvement in symptoms. Incomplete treatment can result in drug resistance and relapse.

Conclusion

Bone TB may not be contagious, but it’s still serious. If left untreated, it will cause permanent disability or spinal deformities. If you notice any signs and symptoms of tuberculosis of the bone, it’s better to get it checked early.

And remember—prevention is better than cure. Vaccination, good nutrition, and prompt treatment of pulmonary TB can reduce the risk of it spreading to the bones.

If you’re looking for expert care, visit the Best Ortho Care Hospital in Coimbatore for advanced diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.