Phemister triad (tuberculosis)

Last revised by Omar Alabdulkareem on 14 Aug 2021

The triad of Phemister refers to three radiographic features seen classically with tuberculous arthropathy 4:

  • juxta-articular osteopenia/osteoporosis
  • peripheral osseous erosions
  • gradual narrowing of joint space

History and etymology

Named after Dallas Burton Phemister (1882-1951), American orthopedic surgeon 3.

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