Background: Recent HIV therapies have improved life expectancy in HIV positive patients. For the purpose of the following retrospective investigation, we analyzed the results of total joint replacement in HIV positive patients. This study exemplifies orthopaedic treatment options and perioperative problems in HIV positive patients. Our population included a high proportion of hemophilic patients.
Design and methods: Between 1988 and 2000, we performed 55 endoprosthetic procedures (20 total hip replacements (THR), 33 total knee replacements (TKR), two shoulder replacements) in 41 patients suffering form HIV. Thirty patients are afflicted with hemophilia, seven patients were intravenous drug addicts. The mean follow-up was 81 months (2-14) years. Patients were seen annually; either the Harris Hip Score or the Knee Society Rating System was applied.
Results: The following septic complications were observed: a mycotic abscess of both hips 5/10 months after bilateral THR, two early infections following coxitis in patients with intravenous drug abuse, and one further case of septic loosening after 15 months in one patient after THR. Furthermore, one aseptic loosening of a THR after 14 months in a hemophilic patient was seen. After TKR, two early infections in patients with intravenous drug addiction were seen. The total complication rate was 12.7%. A coherency between the infection rate and the CD4+ count was not seen.
Discussion: An analysis of the results shows that the complications occurred in patients living under difficult social circumstances. Whereas total joint replacement in hemophilic patients with or without HIV seems to be a fairly safe procedure concerning the postoperative infection rate, intravenous drug abuse increases the risk. Functional outcome does not differ from an HIV negative population both in the TKR and THR groups.