Tuberculosis of the musculoskeletal system

**Definition:** A disease of the bones and joints, caused by an infection with the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This disease commonly presents with bone pain, joint inflammation, loss of movement or feeling in the affected bone or joint, and weak bones prone to fracture. Transmission is through haematogenous spread to the bones and joints after inhalation of infected respiratory secretions. Confirmation is by identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in biopsy samples of the affected site.

**Long definition:** Osteoarticular tuberculosis(OATB) is a type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that affects bone joints, presenting symptoms of gradually worsening arthritis. Unlike traditional arthritis, osteoarticular tuberculosis usually affects only one joint. A patient that presents with pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis should be classified as a pulmonary case.