Mycobacterium kansasii Arthritis of the Knee Joint

Abstract
Mycobacterium kansasii infection of the knee joint was diagnosed in an 11-year-old boy on the basis of skin testing to atypical mycobacteria, and a positive culture from a synovial tissue biopsy. Appropriate antituberculous drugs should be instituted as sole treatment if no bony destruction is present. If there is no response to chemotherapy, synovectomy should be performed. (Am J Dis Child 131:573-575, 1977)