Marjorlin's ulcer presenting as pathological fracture

The objective of this case report is to sensitise attending medical practitioners of the morbidity and mortality associated with chronic cutaneous ulcers thus emphasising the surgical importance of its management. Chronic ulcers, scars and osteomyelitic sinuses are common but malignant transformation though uncommon poses a threat to function and life. Chronic ulcers exposed to chronic topical applications by trado-medical practitioners may undergo malignant transformation from chronic irritation and pursue an aggressive course with significant morbidity and mortality as illustrated in the patient with pathological fracture and a huge matted ipsilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy. We present this case of posttraumatic Marjolin's ulcer with pathological fracture to illustrate the surgical importance of chronic ulcers and possible role of chronic irritation from topical application by trado-medical practitioner in malignant transformation of ulcer.