Healing of a Large Bone Defect Secondary to Tuberculosis in an Infant

Abstract

Case: A 9-month-old male child presented with swelling over the distal radius that was debrided, and histopathology revealed tuberculosis. Curettage left a large bony defect in the distal radius metaphysis. The defect was not surgically addressed because near-complete spontaneous filling of the defect was seen at 3 months' follow-up. The patient was given antituberculous therapy for 12 months and had excellent outcomes at 24 months' follow-up. Conclusion: A large bony defect secondary to tuberculosis, in the distal radius metaphysis in an infant, regenerated spontaneously without the need for bone substitutes, bone grafting, or complex microvascular procedures.