Epidemiological Profile of Musculoskeletal Tuberculosis Cases at Tertiary Care Hospital in Mandya: A Retrospective Descriptive Study

Abstract Background: Musculoskeletal tuberculosis (MSK-TB) is a less common yet clinically significant form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB), often characterized by insidious onset and diagnostic delays. In India, where tuberculosis remains highly endemic, region-specific data on MSK-TB is limited, particularly from rural tertiary care centres. Thus, this study evaluated the demographic, clinical, and epidemiological profile of MSK-TB cases treated at a tertiary care centre. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences from January 2020 to December 2024. Data from 84 patients diagnosed with MSK-TB were extracted from hospital records, the DOTS registry, and the Nikshay portal. Variables assessed included age, sex, site of TB involvement (spinal or extraspinal), clinical presentation, comorbidities, behavioral risk factors, treatment modality, and outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: The mean age was 45.9 ± 18.4 years, with 53.6% male patients. Comorbidities included diabetes (27.4%), HIV (15.5%), and past pulmonary TB (19%). Localized pain (92.9%), swelling (65.5%), and restricted movement (59.5%) were the predominant symptoms. Spinal TB was observed in 48.8%, while extra spinal TB accounted for 51.2%. Surgery was required in 16.7% of cases. Treatment outcomes were favorable, with 91.7% showing improvement, 2.3% mortality, and 5.9% lost to follow-up. Conclusion: MSK-TB demonstrates a near-equal distribution of spinal and extra spinal involvement in rural South India. Pain and joint dysfunction are key presenting features. Early diagnosis and standard anti-tubercular therapy can lead to favourable outcomes.