Summary

Isolated tuberculous osteomyelitis involving flat bones such as the scapula is extremely rare. The diagnosis is generally delayed due to non-specific complaints and radiographs mimicking pyogenic osteomyelitis, especially in those with no lung involvement. The authors report a case of isolated tuberculous osteomyelitis of the scapula in a 44-year-old woman. A review of the English literature revealed only 11 cases of isolated tuberculous osteomyelitis involving the scapula. The management is outlined and the difficulties in diagnosis are highlighted.