[Echinococcosis of the bone system]

In the above exposition the basic characteristics of bone localization of echinococcus have been shown specially stressing its specific shape of exogen growth, its malign course, bad prognosis, long asymptomatic course, then diagnostic and differential diagnostic difficulties. We specially stress surgical problems, the value of radical surgery whin possible. Our three cases of echinococcus of the ribs prove the validity of radical surgery. Although we are most often forced to have steady palliative interventions we wished to stress their importance. From the above mentioned cases it is clear that they rarely lead to complete cure or to long remissionss which prolong and make easier patient's life. As far as the psyche of the patient is concerned it gives the patient hope for recovery, and the surgeon the power for endurance and patience.