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Pathological fractures in mycetoma.
M E Abd Bagi1, A H Fahal, H E L Sheik
1Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan.
Summary
Pathological fractures are rare in mycetoma, but this study found an unexpectedly high incidence (2.3%) in Sudan. Overlooked fractures may be due to pain-reducing mycetoma agents.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Mycetoma is a chronic fungal or bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
- Pathological fractures are uncommon complications of mycetoma, with only one case previously reported in medical literature.
- A high incidence of pathological fractures in mycetoma patients was observed at the Mycetoma Research Centre in Khartoum, Sudan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of pathological fractures in mycetoma patients.
- To analyze the clinical presentation and radiographic findings associated with pathological fractures in mycetoma.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of plain radiographs from 517 confirmed mycetoma patients over a 10-year period.
- Correlation of radiographic findings with clinical presentations.
- Identification of pathological fractures in various body sites affected by mycetoma.
Main Results:
- Pathological fractures were detected in 12 out of 517 mycetoma patients, representing an incidence of 2.3%.
- This incidence is significantly higher than previously reported in the literature.
- The exact reason for this high incidence remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- The observed high incidence of pathological fractures in mycetoma warrants further investigation.
- Pain-reducing agents produced by mycetoma might lead to clinical underestimation and overlooking of fractures.
- Increased awareness and specific diagnostic approaches are needed for pathological fractures in mycetoma patients.