Primary hydatidosis of femur: a case report and review of literature

Primary osseous hydatidosis is an extremely rare occurrence that poses diagnostic and therapeutic complexities. The diagnosis is usually established late when a secondary infection or pathological fracture has occurred. Standard treatment in such a difficult situation is fraught with complications of recurrence, sepsis and secondary infection. The present report describes the radiology, MRI features and treatment of a massive hydatid cyst of femur. This was effectively treated with wide resection and temporary poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) spacer application followed by subsequent endoprosthesis implantation. We believe use of PMMA as temporary filler for the bone gap helps in prevention of recurrence by killing the daughter cysts by its cytotoxic and thermal property.