OrthoFracs Logo

Orthopaedic Infections

Hydatid Disease

  • Echinococcus is the tapeworm
  • Bone lesions are rare
  • The larvae are ingested with the faeces of infected animals & are spread via portal circulation
  • Therefore they settle in the liver & form Scolices
  • These can rarely spread to bone with a predilection for
    • Vertebrae
    • Pelvis
    • Femur
    • Ribs
  • Presentation may be incidental or with a pathological fracture
  • Rarely they cause local pain & swelling
  • XR shows the typical multiloculated bone cysts with mild expansion of cortices
  • Serological testing for the diagnosis
    • Casoni’s complement fixation test

Treatment

  • Albendazole
  • Surgery
    • Curettage & bone grafting, with “sterilisation” of the cavity
Bookmark and Share