ABSTRACT
Osseous hydatidosis (Echinococcus infection) is a rare parasitic bone infection that poses challenges in diagnosis and treatment. We present a novel case of osseous hydatidosis of the femoral shaft that was diagnosed at the time of surgery for a recalcitrant femoral shaft nonunion. We know of no reports of osseous hydatidosis presenting as a femoral shaft nonunion. A discussion of the challenges in diagnosis and treatment of osseous hydatidosis are discussed, and the literature on osseous hydatidosis is reviewed.
Subject(s)
Bone Diseases/pathology , Echinococcosis/pathology , Echinococcus/isolation & purification , Femoral Fractures/pathology , Fractures, Ununited/pathology , Albendazole/therapeutic use , Animals , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Bone Diseases/parasitology , Bone Diseases/therapy , Echinococcosis/complications , Echinococcosis/therapy , Echinococcus/pathogenicity , Femoral Fractures/parasitology , Femoral Fractures/surgery , Fractures, Ununited/etiology , Fractures, Ununited/surgery , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Treatment Outcome , Vancomycin/therapeutic useABSTRACT
A case of primary hydatid disease of the right femur is reported that presented with pathological fracture and was diagnosed at the time of exploration for biopsy. The patient was treated by removal of all cysts, irrigation with scolicidal solution, bone grafting and immobilisation of the fracture followed by four cycles of oral Albendazole. Eosinophilia and serological tests reverted to normal but the patient died due to acute myocardial infarction six months later. This uncommon condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pathological fractures, bone pain or osteolytic lesions, especially in patients of rural and farmer background.
