What are the symptoms of bone tuberculosis?
Disease description:
I have recently been experiencing back pain along with the development of a spinal curvature, and I'm concerned that I might have spinal tuberculosis. Therefore, I would like to know what symptoms are associated with spinal tuberculosis.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Osseous tuberculosis, medically termed skeletal tuberculosis, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This disease can affect bones and joints throughout the body, but most commonly involves the spine, hip joints, knee joints, and wrist joints. The following are some common clinical manifestations:
1. Pain and stiffness: This is the most common symptom of bone tuberculosis. Patients may experience persistent dull pain or severe pain, especially noticeable at night or after physical activity. The painful area may be accompanied by local swelling, redness, and warmth.
2. Functional impairment: The range of motion of the affected joints or bones may be limited, leading to difficulties in daily activities such as walking, standing, or lifting heavy objects.
3. Postural abnormalities: Patients with spinal tuberculosis may develop spinal curvature or forward bending, resulting in abnormal body posture.
4. Weight loss and fatigue: Due to long-term chronic infection, patients may experience unexplained weight loss, decreased appetite, and general fatigue.
5. Systemic symptoms: Patients may develop low-grade fever, typically presenting as afternoon fever with temperatures commonly around 38°C. At the same time, patients may experience fatigue, night sweats, decreased appetite, and weight loss. In rare cases where the condition acutely worsens, temperatures can reach around 39°C, particularly seen in children and patients with poor immunity.
Treatment usually requires long-term anti-tuberculosis drug therapy and may involve surgical intervention to remove diseased tissue, stabilize bone structure, or relieve nerve compression.
