Olecranon Bone Tumor Complicated by Ulnar Nerve Paresis Revealing Tuberculous Osteitis—About a Case

Abstract

Introduction: The localization of bone tuberculosis at the level of the olecranon is rare and can pose a problem of differential diagnosis with a tumoral affection. Only the biopsy allows the diagnosis of certainty. The goal was to report our first case to do a review of the literature. Clinical Observation: This was a 64-year-old patient who consulted 2 years after the onset of symptoms for swelling and mechanical pain in the left elbow. On clinical examination there was a firm consistent mass measuring 6/4 cm in diameter, not very painful and hot on the posterior surface of the left elbow, accompanied by paresthesias in the territory of the ulnar nerve associated with partial functional impotence of the left forearm with little altered general condition. The X-rays of the left elbow showed extensive bone lysis of the olecranon with fracture of the base of the olecranon. The CT Scan of the elbow performed showed osteolysis of the olecranon with extensive bone reactions at the distal end of the humerus. The biopsy carried out with histological examination concluded with an aspect of tuberculous osteitis and the culture came back sterile. A curettage was performed associated with anti-tuberculosis treatment for 12 months as well as the placement of a posterior splint. The evolution at 9 months was unsatisfactory with persistence of paresis and stiffness of the elbow. Conclusion: Tuberculous osteitis of the olecranon can simulate a malignant tumor with non-specific signs of bone tuberculosis. Only the anatomopathological examination is definitive for the diagnosis. The treatment is multidisciplinary. Orthopedic evolution is difficult to predict.