Isolated Calcaneal Tuberculosis: A Case Report

Introduction: Calcaneal Tuberculosis (TB) is a rare disease that can be easily misdiagnosed due to its nonspecific features and low clinical suspicion. Case Report: This report described an 85-year-old woman who presented to the Emergency Department with foot pain and swelling following a fall. Initial investigations revealed a calcaneal fracture requiring surgery, but the patient declined the intervention. She was discharged with a splint and re-presented after one year with persistent pain, swelling, and a draining skin wound over her right ankle. Further investigations confirmed the diagnosis of calcaneal TB. The patient responded well to a four-drug regimen (Isoniazid, Rifampin, Ethambutol, and Pyrazinamide) for three months, followed by a two-drug regimen (Isoniazid and Rifampin) for 15 months. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis in patients with bone lesions, even without typical symptoms. Delayed treatment may lead to complications such as abscesses and fistulae, potentially causing disability.