Hydatid disease of bone. A case report.

Area of Science:

• Medical Parasitology
• Orthopedic Pathology

Background:

• Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus tapeworms, is a zoonotic parasitic infection.
• Bone involvement is rare but can lead to pathological fractures.

Observation:

• A patient presented with a pathological femur fracture.
• Biopsy of the bone lesion revealed characteristic hydatid cysts, described as 'grapeskin' cysts.

Findings:

• The presence of hydatid cysts confirmed the diagnosis of osseous hydatid disease.
• The pathological fracture was a direct consequence of the parasitic bone destruction.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in bone pathology.
• Conservative management may be an option for certain presentations of osseous hydatid disease.