The use of polymethylmethacrylate in the management of hydatid disease of bone

Hydatid disease of bone is rare. It probably represents between 0.5% and 4% of all human hydatid disease and, in about 60% of patients, affects the sp ine or pelvis. Between 1986 and 1998, we treated 15 cases of bone hydatidos is. Curettage, swabbing with povidone iodine and filling the defect with po lymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were carried out in ten patients. Three of thes e had a recurrence after five years, but seven had no signs of relapse duri ng a mean follow-up of 52 months. We believe that the combination of antihe lminthic therapy, wide resection and the use of PMMA gives the best outcome in the treatment of bone hydatidosis.