Posterior decompression of spinal hydatidosis: long term results: Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Madrid, Spain

Seven cases of spinal hydatid disease treated with posterior decompression were followed-up for an average of 20 years. The long-term results were very poor, with high rates of mortality, localised and extra-vertebral recurrence, significant neurological deficits, spino-cutaneous fistulae, spinal instability and pain.