Delays in the diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint tuberculosis in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Patients with bone and joint TB experience delays in diagnosis and treatment, some of which are avoidable. Maintaining a high index of clinical suspicion and sending specimens for mycobacterial culture are crucial to avoid missing cases. Rapid diagnostic tests reduce delays and should be performed on patients with radiological features of TB. Cite this article: <i>Bone Joint J</i> 2018;100-B:119-24.