Characteristic radiographic features of osteoarticular TB
No pathognomonic radiographic signs of TB exist. However, several signs may be helpful:
- Spine
- Narrowing of joint space with vertebral collapse (vertebra plana)
- Anterior vertebral scalloping and soft tissue swelling (paravertebral abscess)
- Extensive vertebral destruction with relative preservation of disc space
- Peripheral joint
- Soft tissue swelling with effusion
- Phemisteri triad
- Juxtaarticular osteoporosis
- Peripheral subchondral osseous erosions
- Articular destructive lesions with little periosteal reaction
- Joint space narrowing occurs as a late finding
- Osteomyelitis
- Lytic lesion with lack of periosteal reaction
- Dactylitis (mainly children)
- Ballooned-out lytic appearance of a short bone of the hand with lack of periosteal reaction (spina ventosa)
