Value of tissue biopsy in bone and joint tuberculosis.

This study discusses the difficulties in making the diagnosis of bone and joint tuberculosis and underlines the diagnostic value of tissue biopsy from the site of the suspected tuberculosis lesion. Fifty-two patients, suffering from this disease, underwent treatment at our hospital between 1980-1986. In 27 cases (51%) the diagnosis was made on the basis of the clinical picture and various tests not including biopsy.