Neglected tuberculous trochanteric bursitis in an adolescent girl: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Tuberculous trochanteric bursitis (TTB) is an extremely rare formof extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Due to a low clinical suspicionand poor collaboration among medical professionals, the diagnosisof TTB can be often delayed. In this report, we describe a caseof neglected TTB in an adolescent girl that initially presentedwith right thigh swelling and fluctuance. The patient underwentrepeated unsuccessful surgical treatment; however, dull pain andperiodic wound drainage remained for eight years. Completeexcision of fistula and trochanteric bursa and one year of oralantituberculous drug therapy led to complete recovery. This casereport highlights tuberculosis as a diagnostic challenge, when rarelocalizations are affected. In addition, this report addresses severaldiagnostic pitfalls and reviews the literature regarding TTB inadolescent patients. Orthopedic surgeons need to consider TTB,when swelling, fluctuance or repeated wound drainage are presenton the thigh.