Educational view of Pathological Fracture of Femur due to Hydatid Cysts: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Hydatid cysts can be caused by Echinococcus species in various tissues. Skeletal cystic lesions are very rare and may be neglected. Here, we report a case of pathologic fracture following primary hydatid cystic lesions in the proximal and femoral shaft bone. A 62-year-old man suffered a sudden fracture followed by swelling of the thigh. Intramedullary femoral fixation was made and during the surgery, numerous cystic lesions of the hydatid cysts were observed. After  the surgery ultrasound and CT-Scans of the abdomen, lung, spine, and brain did not confirm any sign of mass or cyst elsewhere. The patient was followed up for one year. During this period, the union was not yet completely established and the patient was stillreceiving treatment. Orthopedic surgeons need to be aware of this parasitic complication in bones and joints and provide the best outcome for the patients with proper treatment. Surgery along with albendazole and/or mebendazole  therapy remains the treatment of choice. For this purpose, it is recommended that attention be paid to long-term follow-up in continuous professional development courses.