CASE REPORT: TUBERCULOSIS OF THE CALCANEUM IN A 6-YEAR-OLD CHILD

Tuberculosis remains endemic in third-world countries. While pulmonary tuberculosis is most common, skeletal tuberculosis is rare, even exceptional. We present the case of a 6-year-old child admitted with a swelling on the right hindfoot, alongside weight loss and no fever. Clinical examination revealed a painless swelling on the inner side of the right hindfoot. X-ray showed an osteolytic lesion in the calcaneum, with negative inflammatory markers. Further investigations including ultrasound and MRI confirmed an infectious process. Histological examination of a biopsy indicated tuberculosis of the calcaneum. The patient was treated with anti-tubercular medication and showed good clinical improvement. Skeletal tuberculosis is a serious condition with potential disabling consequences without adequate management.