Hydatid disease of the distal humerus treated with wide resection and reconstruction with endoprosthesis

A man in his 40s from a rural area presented with progressive pain and functional limitation of the right arm without trauma. Imaging revealed an aggressive lytic lesion with pathological fracture of the distal humerus. Staging studies excluded other lesions. Percutaneous biopsy confirmed osseous hydatid disease. Preoperative albendazole was administered, followed by wide en bloc resection of a 15 cm humeral segment with preservation of neurovascular structures. Reconstruction was achieved using a modular distal humerus endoprosthesis. Postoperative albendazole continued for 6 weeks. At 12 months, the patient was disease-free, with a painless range of motion from 0° to 120°, full independence in daily activities and a Toronto Extremity Salvage Score of 75. This case demonstrates the importance of considering hydatid disease in the differential diagnosis of lytic bone lesions in endemic areas and supports limb-sparing reconstruction as a viable alternative.

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Publication Details

Journal
BMJ Case Reports
Published
2025-12-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2025-269531
Primary Topic
Parasitic infections in humans and animals
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Hydatid disease of the distal humerus treated with wide resection and reconstruction with endoprosthesis

M. T. Ruíz, Daniel Carpio, Jorge Cabrolier, Fernando Borquez et al.
BMJ Case Reports
Parasitic infections in humans and animals
article

Hydatid disease of the distal humerus treated with wide resection and reconstruction with endoprosthesis

M. T. Ruíz, Daniel Carpio, Jorge Cabrolier, Fernando Borquez, Jose Francisco Hardoy
article en

Abstract

A man in his 40s from a rural area presented with progressive pain and functional limitation of the right arm without trauma. Imaging revealed an aggressive lytic lesion with pathological fracture of the distal humerus. Staging studies excluded other lesions. Percutaneous biopsy confirmed osseous hydatid disease. Preoperative albendazole was administered, followed by wide en bloc resection of a 15 cm humeral segment with preservation of neurovascular structures. Reconstruction was achieved using a modular distal humerus endoprosthesis. Postoperative albendazole continued for 6 weeks. At 12 months, the patient was disease-free, with a painless range of motion from 0° to 120°, full independence in daily activities and a Toronto Extremity Salvage Score of 75. This case demonstrates the importance of considering hydatid disease in the differential diagnosis of lytic bone lesions in endemic areas and supports limb-sparing reconstruction as a viable alternative.

BMJ Case ReportsVol. 18(12)
Universidad del Desarrollo (CL), Universidad de Los Andes, Chile (CL), Clinica Santa Maria (CL), Instituto Geológico (BR), University of Chile (CL)
Openalex Percentile: Top 44%
Parasitic infections in humans and animals
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