What are the symptoms of bone tuberculosis?

Symptoms of bone tuberculosis mainly include local pain, swelling, limited mobility, and in severe cases, systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue may occur. Bone tuberculosis is a chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infecting the skeletal system, and early detection and treatment are crucial.

1. Local pain

The most common symptom of bone tuberculosis is local pain, which usually manifests as persistent dull pain and worsens at night. The location of the pain is related to the area of ​​infection. For example, spinal tuberculosis often manifests as back pain, and hip tuberculosis manifests as hip pain. The pain may be mild at first, but gradually worsens as the disease progresses.

2. Swelling and limited mobility

The infected area may swell, the skin temperature may rise, and there may be tenderness when touched. Joint tuberculosis can lead to limited joint movement, and in severe cases, complete stiffness. Spinal tuberculosis may cause spinal deformity or even compress nerves, leading to numbness or paralysis of the limbs.

3. Systemic symptoms

Some patients may experience systemic symptoms such as low fever, night sweats, fatigue, loss of appetite, etc. These symptoms usually indicate that tuberculosis infection has entered the active stage and requires prompt medical treatment.

4. Diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis of bone tuberculosis requires a combination of imaging examinations such as X-ray, CT, MRI and laboratory tests such as tuberculin test and pathological biopsy. Treatment is mainly based on anti-tuberculosis drugs, commonly used drugs include isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, etc., and the course of treatment is usually 6-12 months. For severe cases, surgical treatment may be required, such as lesion removal, bone graft fusion, etc.

5. Prevention and rehabilitation

The key to preventing bone tuberculosis is to control the spread of tuberculosis, get vaccinated with BCG, maintain good hygiene habits, and avoid contact with tuberculosis patients. During the recovery period, you need to pay attention to balanced nutrition and eat more foods rich in protein and vitamins, such as eggs, milk, fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Appropriate rehabilitation exercises, such as walking and swimming, can help restore joint function.

Bone tuberculosis is a disease that requires long-term treatment. Early detection and standardized treatment are the key to improving prognosis. If the above symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention in time to avoid delaying the disease.