Presentation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis following subacromial corticosteroid injection

Abstract

Subacromial corticosteroid injection is a common procedure performed in the shoulder clinic and septic arthritis is a recognized but rare complication. The present case highlights the poor outcome of a patient with a family history of tuberculosis (TB) who underwent three corticosteroid injections to her right shoulder. After months of worsening symptoms, her first presentation of TB manifested as a deep cavity in the shoulder. This report identifies the challenges in the diagnosis and management of shoulder TB and provides an insight into the potential scope of the problem in Britain.