Osteoarticular tuberculosis in a general hospital

The status of osteoarticular tuberculosis in recent years was studied. 82 cases diagnosed here between 1951-1985 were surveyed. The disease was more common among East European Jews (38%) and among young people: the mean age was 36 years and the highest incidence was in the third decade. A secular tendency to "aging" was noted, as in later years the mean age increased. However, there was also a secular decrease in incidence, explained by a progressive decrease in immigration to Israel. The disease affected most commonly the spinal vertebrae and the weight-bearing joints. There was an average delay of 19 months between onset of symptoms and/or signs of the disease and its diagnosis.