We reported on 2 cases of tuberculosis of the shoulder. [Case 1] A 76-year-old female who complained of right shoulder pain visited a neighborhood hospital. Since she was diagnosed with rotator cuff tear, rotator cuff repair was performed. In the 1-month postoperative period, however, wound separation began. With no treatment effects, the patient visited our department 1 year after the surgery. The surgery wound was found to have a fistula. X rays and MRIs showed a destructive change of the shoulder joint. Acid-fast bacillus culture for sputum and exudate exhibited the existence of tubercle bacillus. She was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculosis of the shoulder, and administration of antiphthisic was begun. Then, a lesion curettage was conducted, 5 months after the administration started. The patient showed no recurrence of this tuberculous disorder. [Case 2] An 81-year-old male who complained of right shoulder pain visited a neighborhood hospital. He was diagnosed with periarthritis scapulohumeralis and received conservative treatment. 4 months after the symptoms were found, he showed fistulation in the axillary region. According to Gaffky using exudate, viewing the results of Gaffkyl, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis of the shoulder, and administration of antiphthisic was begun. Lesion curettage was conducted 4 months after the administration was begun. The patient showed no recurrence In the above 2 cases of tuberculosis of the shoulder, the initial diagnosis was difficult and a lengthy period of time was required to confirm symptom appearance and establish proper diagnosis. Antiphthisic administration and open surgery prevented further infection.
