BACKGROUND: Isolated ankle joint tuberculous arthritis is extremely rare, comprising an incidence lower than 5 % of skeletal tuberculosis (TB). Description of the case: We present an unusual case of isolated tubercular arthritis of the ankle in a 25-year-old male where the definitive diagnosis was difficult to be reached. The clinical examination revealed slight edema and a slight increase in local skin temperature. Based on magnetic resonance imaging performed, the diagnosis of septic arthritis was made. The arthroscopic appearance of the synovium and polymerase chain reaction analysis (PCR) of the synovial fluid revealed tuberculous arthritis.
CONCLUSION: TB should be included in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis in patients with persistent pain and swelling of the ankle. HIPPOKRATIA 2017, 21(2): 97-100.