Tuberculous osteomyelitis in the diabetic foot

Abstract

Foot infections in patients with diabetes mellitus are associ- Fated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Tuberculosis t of the foot and ankle is an uncommon presentation of skeletal tuberculosis. We present an unusual case of tuberculous osteomyelitis involving the foot of a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Skeletal tuberculosis may be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms and signs are often non-specific. In diabetic patients with a previous history of tuberculosis, it is important to include cultures of acid-fast bacillus in the work-up of deep infection of the foot. It is important to recognise peripheral tuberculosis osteomyelitis early, as prompt treatment can effectively eliminate long-term morbidity. This condition is potentially devastating and must be differentiated from other pathologies in the diabetic foot.