Imaging of musculoskeletal and spinal tuberculosis

Diagnosis of osteoarticular musculoskeletal tuberculosis is difficult; early manifestations are subtle, and advanced disease mimics other infections such as granulomatous diseases and malignancy Diagnosis cannot be established solely on the basis of clinical tests or imaging findings. The role of the radiologist is to consider the disease when appropriate and guide the imaging work-up to arrive at the earliest possible diagnosis. Awareness of the patient groups at greatest risk and the varied manifestations of musculoskeletal tuberculosis is critical for timely diagnosis and early intervention of this curable disease.