Osteonecrosis of the femoral head in patients with type 1 human immunodeficiency virus infection: clinical analysis and review

Research progress of femoral head necrosis in HIV-infected patients

As life expectancy among patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases, a growing number of complications have been observed. This population displays an elevated risk of ischemic necrosis of the femoral head in comparison to the general population, which may be attributed to HIV infection, antiretroviral medication use, and hormone application. Patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who also have necrosis of the femoral head tend to present at an earlier age, with a rapid disease progression and a high incidence of bilateral onset. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facilitates the early diagnosis of the condition, and the recommended treatment is total hip arthroplasty. Currently, the most prevalent treatment modality is total hip arthroplasty. This can effectively prevent occupational exposure when the surgery is performed in accordance with the HIV infection control guidelines. Furthermore, the surgical procedure is more time-consuming than that performed on patients without HIV. The postoperative quality of life of patients is markedly enhanced, and there are no reports of surgical complications. The precise mechanism underlying femoral head necrosis in HIV-infected patients remains unclear. Potential contributing factors have been identified, including systemic immune response, inflammatory response, local microenvironmental changes in the femoral head, and the unique anatomical structure of the femoral head, among others. A more profound comprehension of the disease's pathogenesis may facilitate the implementation of early prevention and treatment strategies, as well as the development of alternative conservative therapeutic options. This represents a promising avenue for future research. The present article reviews the epidemiological study of HIV-infected patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head, local changes of the femoral head, possible mechanisms of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, occupational exposure during treatment, and surgical efficacy. The aim is to provide insights that can inform the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and mechanism of this condition.

Proteomic profiling of extracellular vesicles derived from human serum for the discovery of biomarkers in Avascular necrosis

BACKGROUND

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a medical condition characterized by the destruction of bone tissue due to a diminished blood supply. When the rate of tissue destruction surpasses the rate of regeneration, effective treatment becomes challenging, leading to escalating pain, arthritis, and bone fragility as the disease advances. A timely diagnosis is imperative to prevent and initiate proactive treatment for osteonecrosis. We explored the potential of differentially expressed proteins in serum-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) as biomarkers for AVN of the femoral head in humans. We analyzed the genetic material contained in serum-derived exosomes from patients for early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of avascular necrosis.

METHODS

EVs were isolated from the serum of both patients with AVN and a control group of healthy individuals. Proteomic analyses were conducted to compare the expression patterns of these proteins by proteomic analysis using LC-MS/MS.

RESULTS

Our results show that the levels of IGHV3-23, FN1, VWF, FGB, PRG4, FCGBP, and ZSWIM9 were upregulated in the EVs of patients with AVN compared with those of healthy controls. ELISA results showed that VWF and PRG4 were significantly upregulated in the patients with AVN.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that these EV proteins could serve as promising biomarkers for the early detection and diagnosis of AVN. Early diagnosis is paramount for effective treatment, and the identification of new osteonecrosis biomarkers is essential to facilitate swift diagnosis and proactive intervention. Our study provides novel insights into the identification of AVN-related biomarkers that can enhance clinical management and treatment outcomes.

Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Micro-Computed Tomography Study

Background

The incidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is 10-100 times higher than that in the general population. However, the specific bone microstructure and extent of damage within the femoral head in PWH are still unclear.

Methods

Femoral head samples were obtained by total hip arthroplasty, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was employed to investigate the microstructure of trabecular bone across 4 representative regions within necrotic femoral heads, and quantitative analysis was performed.

Results

On general observation, different degrees of degenerative cartilage, fibrocartilage, hyperplastic bone, and exposed bone were presented alternately, with a "map-like" appearance. On micro-CT, compared with the normal and necrotic areas, the bone volume/tissue volume and bone mineral density of the sclerotic areas were significantly increased, the number of trabeculae was significantly increased, and the gap was smaller (P < .05). There was no significant difference in trabecular thickness among the groups (P < .05).

Conclusions

The systemic immune syndrome caused by HIV itself may interfere with the normal metabolism of bone, including osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and thus participate in HIV-related ONFH.

Analysis of the efficacy of drilling decompression autologous bone marrow and allogeneic bone grafting in the treatment of HIV-positive patients with early osteonecrosis of the femoral head

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of treating patients with HIV-positive osteonecrosis of the femoral head using drilled decompression autologous bone marrow and allogeneic bone grafting.

METHODS

40 patients (44 hips) with early osteonecrosis of the femoral head treated by drilling decompression autologous bone marrow and allogeneic bone grafting since October 2015 were retrospectively analyzed, among which 20 patients (24 hips) were HIV-positive patients with early osteonecrosis of the femoral head, 16 males and 4 females, age 22-43 years, average 39.6 ± 10.18 years, and 20 patients (20 hips) in the same period HIV-negative early osteonecrosis of the femoral head patients, 13 males and 7 females, aged 48-78 years, mean 63.50 ± 7.94 years were negative controls. General information including ARCO stage, Harris score, VAS score, hematological indexes including CD4+ T lymphocyte count, and HIV viral load was recorded for all patients before surgery. All patients were operated on by drilling and decompression of the necrotic area, harvesting autologous iliac bone marrow with allogeneic bone, and bone grafting through the decompression channel. The patients were followed up regularly at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery and annually thereafter, and the repair of the necrotic femoral head was observed by reviewing the frontal and lateral X-ray, CT or MRI of the hip joint, and the complications and functional recovery of the hip joint was counted and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

All patients were followed up, and the ARCO stages in the HIV-positive group were stage I 2 hips, stage IIA 6 hips, stage IIB 8 hips, stage IIC 6 hips, and stage III 2 hips, with a follow-up time of 12 to 60 months and a mean of 24.6 months. In the negative control group, there were 3 hips in ARCO stage I, 7 hips in stage IIA, 5 hips in stage IIB, 3 hips in stage IIC, and 2 hips in stage III, and the follow-up time ranged from 13 to 62 months, with an average of 24.8 months. The Harris score and VAS score of the hip in both groups improved significantly at 6 months postoperatively compared with those before surgery (P < 0.001). The difference between the Harris score of the hip in the positive group at 24 months postoperatively compared with that at 6 months postoperatively was statistically significant, but the VAS score at 24 months postoperatively compared with that at 6 months postoperatively was not statistically significant. In the negative group, there was no statistically significant difference in the Harris score and VAS score of the hip at 24 months postoperatively compared with those at 6 months postoperatively. In the positive group, there was a trend of continuous increase in hip BMD from the beginning of the postoperative period (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the negative group and the positive group at the 24 months postoperatively follow-up except for the Harris score, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001), and the VAS score, which was statistically insignificant. At the 24 months postoperatively follow-up, patients in both groups had good recovery of hip function, and no complications such as vascular and nerve injury and fracture occurred during the perioperative period and follow-up period, and no complications related to incisional infection and pulmonary infection occurred during hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of early HIV-positive osteonecrosis of the femoral head patients with autologous bone marrow and allogeneic bone grafting by drilling and decompression to remove the tissue in the necrotic area of the femoral head can effectively stop the process of osteonecrosis of the femoral head and promoting femoral head repair in HIV-positive patients is a safe and effective method for treating HIV-positive patients with early osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and can effectively delay or postpone total hip replacement in patients.

Joint replacement and human immunodeficiency virus

The incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected cases that need total joint replacement (TJR) is generally rising. On the other hand, modern management of HIV-infected cases has enabled them to achieve longevity while increasing the need for arthroplasty procedures due to the augmented dege-nerative joint disease and fragility fractures, and the risk of osteonecrosis. Although initial investigations on joint replacement in HIV-infected cases showed a high risk of complications, the recent ones reported acceptable outcomes. It is a matter of debate whether HIV-infected cases are at advanced risk for adverse TJR consequences; however, the weak immune profile has been associated with an increased probability of complications. Likewise, surgeons and physicians should be aware of the complication rate after TJR in HIV-infected cases and include an honest discussion of the probable unwelcoming complication with their patients contemplating TJR. Therefore, a fundamental review and understanding of the interaction of HIV and arthroplasty are critical.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide protects against osteonecrosis of femoral head via regulating Runx2 expression

BACKGROUND

Osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) is a pathological state caused by lack of blood supply in femoral head. This study aimed to explore the function of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), an antioxidant agent extracted from L. barbarum, on ONFH.

METHODS

Osteonecrosis rat model was generated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and methylprednisolone followed by examination of body weight, blood glucose, morphology, and BMSC osteoblast differentiation. The effect and underlying mechanism of LBP on the proliferation, apoptosis, and osteoblast differentiation of BMSC were determined with or without LPS or hypoxia treatment using CCK-8. Alizarin Red S staining, flow cytometry, and western blot, respectively.

RESULT

LBP could protect against glucocorticoid-induced ONFH in rats, resulting in improved sparse trabecular bone, empty lacunae and bone cell coagulation. Moreover, LBP promoted the proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of bone mesenchymal-derived stem cells (BMSCs) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, LBP enhanced osteoblast differentiation of BMSCs under hypoxia condition. Mechanistically, we found that LBP treatment enhanced Runx2 and ALP expression in BMSCs. LBP restored the expression of Runx2 and ALP under hypoxia, suggesting that LBP might be involved in regulating Runx2/ALP expression and contributed to osteoblast differentiation. Knockdown of Runx2 significantly inhibited BMSCs proliferation, while LBP treatment did not rescue the osteoblast differentiation ability of BMSCs with Runx2 knockdown.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that LBP protects against ONFH via regulating Runx2 expression, which could be utilized to treat patients suffering ONFH.

Previously unexplored etiology for femoral head necrosis: Metagenomics detects no pathogens in necrotic femoral head tissue

BACKGROUND

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a frequent and refractory disease whose pathogenesis has not yet been elucidated. Infection and other factors that reduce the local blood supply can lead to bone necrosis.

AIM

To aim of this study was to assess the relationship of ONFH with bone infection by use of metagenomic sequencing.

METHODS

Twelve patients with idiopathic ONFH and 12 comparable controls who were undergoing hip arthroplasty were followed up in parallel. Necrotic femoral head specimens were collected for bacterial and fungal cultures using standard methods. Bone specimens were subjected to preliminary processing, and metagenomics sequencing of microorganisms was performed. A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare bacterial species in the two groups.

RESULTS

Bacterial and fungal cultures exhibited no evidence of microbial growth in all isolated necrotic femoral head tissues. We thus performed metagenomic sequencing and classified the species as suspected pathogens or suspected background microorganisms based on known bacterial pathogenicity. There was no evidence of viruses, fungi, parasites, M. tuberculosis complex, or mycoplasma/chlamydia. There were also no significant differences in suspected pathogens or suspected background microorganisms (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although we found no pathogens specific for ONFH in necrotic femoral head tissue, our research provides a foundation for future research on the metagenomics of bone pathogens.

Osteonecrosis of the humeral head in a human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient under tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-emtricitabine-lopinavir/ritonavir for 10 years: a case report

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients are 100 times more likely to develop aseptic osteonecrosis compared with the general population. While 90% of cases concern the femoral head, the involvement of humeral bone remains rare.

Case presentation

We report a case of aseptic osteonecrosis of the left humeral head complicating antiretroviral therapy in a female, 46-year-old, Bissau-Guinean human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient received in a context of progressive pain in the left shoulder followed by limitation of articular movements. Standard x-ray of the shoulder allowed us to make the diagnosis by showing a typical image of osteonecrosis. The treatment was medical combined with physiotherapy.

Conclusions

Aseptic osteonecrosis should be systematically looked for in human immunodeficiency virus patients on antiretroviral treatment. In addition to femoral head aseptic necrosis, the involvement of the humeral bone should also be considered.

Total Joint Arthroplasty in HIV-Positive Patients in Malawi: Outcomes from the National Arthroplasty Registry of the Malawi Orthopaedic Association

In this observational study, we describe the medium-term outcomes of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients in Malawi, a low-income country. With a high prevalence of HIV and increasing arthroplasty rates in low and middle-income countries, understanding the outcomes of TJA in this unique cohort of patients is essential to ensure that surgical practice is evidence-based.

Pelvic and acetabular fracture management in intravenous drug users

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic and acetabular fractures are significant injuries associated with high morbidity or mortality. Intravenous drug users (IVDU) represent a challenging group of patients, with an increased risk of complications and infection. To our knowledge there has not been any published literature concerning IVDU and this type of injuries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A group of 19 patients with a history of IVDU and who had sustained an injury were identified.

RESULTS

The mean age at injury was 36 years old; nine had a pelvic fracture and ten had an acetabular fracture. No complications were observed in the pelvic group. In the acetabular group, the infection risk was 50% and the risk of femoral head avascular necrosis was 33%. The mean follow up was 43.1 months from injury.

CONCLUSION

We advise emphasis in the high infection and avascular necrosis rates, when consenting the patient for an operation. Furthermore, non-operative treatment should be considered, where possible.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III. Retrospective cohort study. Prognostic-investigating the effect of a patient characteristic on the outcome of the disease.

Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Korean Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Background

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a disabling condition that often necessitates total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although ONFH occurs more frequently among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than among the general population, there is little epidemiological information regarding ONFH in Korean patients with HIV. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the incidence and clinical features of ONFH among Korean patients with HIV.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of 1,250 Korean patients with HIV treated from January 1990 to December 2019. A standardised data collection sheet was used to obtain clinical information. Imaging data were analysed by a radiologist in accordance with the 2019 revised version of the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) staging system for ONFH.

Results

Among the 1,250 included patients, 13 patients (1.04%; 3 women, 10 men) were diagnosed with ONFH. The overall incidence of ONFH was 1.29 per 1,000 person-years (PYs) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.7 – 2.4 per 1,000 PYs). Median age among the 13 patients with ONFH was 47 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 41 – 57 years). The median duration since HIV diagnosis was 4.8 years (IQR: 2.3 – 10.1 years). The median CD4 cell count at the time of ONFH diagnosis was 381 cells/ mm³ (IQR: 161 – 551 cells/mm³). At the initial diagnosis of ONFH, 83.3% of patients exhibited bilateral involvement. ARCO stage 3 or 4 osteonecrosis was observed in 83% of patients. Among 22 hips, stage 1 ONFH was noted in 2 (9.1%), stage 2 ONFH was noted in 7 (31.8%), stage 3 ONFH was noted in 9 (40.9%), and stage 4 ONFH was noted in 4 (18.2%). THA was eventually performed in 84.6% of patients. Five (38.5%) patients had a history of steroid use, 4 (30.8%) patients had a history of alcohol abuse and 10 (76.9%) were smokers. Eight (61.5%) patients had a history of acquired immune deficiency syndrome-defining illness, including 7 with tuberculosis and 1 with pneumocystis pneumonia. Nine patients (69.2%) had a nadir CD4 cell count <200/µL, and 3 (23.1%) had a history of bone fracture. Overall, 84% of patients were exposed to antiretroviral therapy, while 54% had taken protease inhibitors for more than 1 year.

Conclusion

Considering that relatively high incidence of ONFH in patients with HIV, a high index of suspicion for those with risk factors and those with groin or hip pain for is required in HIV-infected patients.

Total hip arthroplasty following illicit drug abuse

BACKGROUND

The role of illicit drug abuse in total joint arthroplasty is largely unknown and is likely underestimated. Patients with drug addictions often suffer from septic osteoarthritis or a necrosis of the femoral head. Purpose of the study was to evaluate the operative management and clinical outcome of total hip replacement in patients with a history of intravenous drug abuse.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 15 patients with a history of intravenous drug abuse who underwent total hip arthroplasty. A total of 6 females and 9 males with an average age of 34.3 years were identified. Ten patients presented an acute bacterial coxitis (Coxitis-group) and five an aseptic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (Osteonecrosis-group).

RESULTS

Ten patients with a bacterial coxitis underwent a two-staged total hip arthroplasty (THA), with temporary insertion of a drug-eluting spacer. Five patients with a necrosis of the femoral head were primarily treated with THA. All patients developed multiple re-infections after insertion of a drug-eluting spacer or THA. Only two patients finally achieved a THA without infection in the period of 3.9 years follow-up. The other 13 patients underwent a Girdlestone arthroplasty (7 patients) or total joint replacement with a chronic fistula (6 patients).

CONCLUSION

THA in patients with illicit drug abuse shows a low success rate. Following septic osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis in drug-addicted patients, we recommend a two-stage procedure with temporary insertion of a drug-eluting spacer. THA might follow only under strict premises.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head in people living with HIV: anatomopathological description and p24 antigen test

Objective

To examine the presence of HIV in bone tissue of people living with HIV (PLWHIV) with osteonecrosis of femoral head and describe clinical and anatomopathological findings.

Design

This is a case series which included 44 PLWHIV with osteonecrosis of femoral head who underwent total hip arthroplasty.

Methods

Clinical data were obtained through analysis of the patients’ medical records. Bone tissue obtained during total hip arthroplasty was retrieved and sent for conventional and immunohistochemical analysis. Monoclonal antibodies were used to mark the p24 (HIV), CD31 (vascular endothelial cells), CD68 (macrophages), and D₂40 (cells of the lymphatic endothelium) antigens.

Results

Dyslipidemia was found in 48% of the patients and lipodystrophy in 31%. Histological analysis showed similar characteristics for the entire sample. Degeneration of joint cartilage was visualized with the presence of fissures and fibrillations, as well as subchondral sclerosis and necrosis of the subchondral cancellous bone tissue. Lymphoplasmocytic inflammatory reaction was observed, with the presence of macrophages containing a foamy, vacuolated cytoplasm, as well as the presence of ceroid pigment and occasional granulation tissue. The reaction with the monoclonal anti-p24 antibody was negative in the samples from all 44 PLWHIV undergoing hip arthroplasty. Reactions with the anti-CD31 and anti-D₂40 antibodies were negative. Staining with CD68 antibody confirmed that the cells visualized with foamy, vacuolated cytoplasm were macrophages.

Conclusion

p24 HIV antigen was not detected in the bone tissue of PLWHIV and osteonecrosis. The most frequent anatomopathological findings were extensive necrosis of bone tissue, large vacuoles filled with fat cells, inflammatory lymphoplasmocytic reaction with macrophages containing vacuolated cytoplasm, and the presence of ceroid pigment.

Diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus following femoral head harvest post-total hip arthroplasty

Elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a routine procedure. Intraoperative harvesting of excised femoral heads for the purpose of donation during this procedure has become standard practice, in response to increasing bone allograft demand. Robust patient screening and femoral head analysis typically occurs, to minimize the risk of disease transmission to any potential recipient. Screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a virus normally first diagnosed through serological testing, makes up part of this process. This case describes a 43-year-old male who underwent elective THA, with subsequent analysis of the excised femoral head at time of screening revealing a diagnosis of HIV, a condition previously never detected in the donor. First diagnosis of HIV from bone is exceedingly rare, with this case illustrating an unusual diagnostic pathway of a well-understood condition, as well as representing an unfamiliar outcome following a common surgical intervention.

Risk of Complications After THA Increases Among Patients Who Are Coinfected With HIV and Hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

Individuals coinfected with both hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV represent a unique and growing population of patients undergoing orthopaedic surgical procedures. Data regarding complications for HCV monoinfection or HIV monoinfection are robust, but there are no data available, to our knowledge, on patients who have both HCV and HIV infections.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We sought to determine whether patients with coinfection differed in terms of baseline demographics and comorbidity burden as compared with patients without coinfection and whether these potential differences were translated into varying levels of postoperative complications, mortality, and hospital readmission risk. Specifically, we asked: (1) Are there demonstrable differences in baseline demographic variables between patients infected with HCV and HIV and those who do not have those infections (age, sex, race, and insurance status)? (2) Do patients with HCV and HIV infection differ from patients without those infections in terms of other medical comorbidities? (3) Do patients with HCV/HIV coinfection have a higher incidence of early postoperative complications and mortality than patients without coinfection? (4) Is the frequency of readmission greater for patients with HCV/HIV coinfection than those without?

METHODS

The New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database was used to identify patients undergoing THA between 2010 and 2014. The SPARCS database is particularly useful because it captures 100% of all New York State inpatient admissions while providing detailed demographic and comorbidity data for a large, heterogeneous patient population with long-term followup. Patients were stratified into four groups based on HCV/HIV status: control patients without disease, HCV monoinfection, HIV monoinfection, and coinfection. We sought to determine whether patients coinfected with HCV and HIV would differ in terms of demographics from patients without those infections and whether patients with HCV and HIV would have a greater risk of complications, longer length of stay, and hospital readmission. A total of 80,722 patients underwent THA between 2010 and 2014. A total of 98.55% (79,554 of 80,722) of patients did not have either HCV or HIV, 0.66% (530 of 80,722) had HCV monoinfection, 0.66% (534 of 80,722) HIV monoinfection, and 0.13% (104 of 80,722) were coinfected with both HCV and HIV. Multivariate analysis was performed controlling for age, sex, insurance, residency status, diagnosis, and comorbidities to allow for an equal comparison between groups.

RESULTS

Patients with coinfection were more likely to be younger, male (odds ratio [OR], 2.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.20-3.13; p < 0.001), insured by Medicaid (OR, 6.43; 4.41-7.55; p < 0.001), have a history of avascular necrosis (OR, 8.76; 7.20-9.53; p < 0.001), and to be homeless (OR, 6.95; 5.31-7.28; p < 0.001) as compared with patients without HIV or HCV. Additionally, patients with coinfection had the highest proportion of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and tobacco use along with a high proportion of psychiatric disorders, including depression. HCV and HIV coinfection were independent risk factors for increased length of stay (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.29-3.01; p < 0.001), having two or more in-hospital complications (OR, 1.64; 1.01-2.67; p < 0.001), and 90-day readmission rates (OR, 2.97; 1.86-4.77; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

As the prevalence of HCV and HIV coinfectivity continues to increase, orthopaedic surgeons will encounter a greater number of these patients. Awareness of the demographic and socioeconomic factors leading to increased complications after THA will allow physicians to consider interventions such as in-hospital psychiatric counseling, advanced discharge planning, and coordination with social work and collaboration with HCV/HIV infectious disease specialists to improve patient health status to improve outcomes and reduce costs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Early Outcomes of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty for Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in China

Background:

Studies have reported that patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a high incidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an effective management of ONFH. However, little data exist regarding the use of THA for the HIV patients with ONFH in China. This study reviewed the outcomes of HIV-positive patients who underwent THA for ONFH, compared with HIV-negative individuals.

Methods:

The patients who underwent THA for ONFH from September 2012 to September 2014 in Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University were retrospectively studied. Twenty-eight HIV-positive patients and 35 HIV-negative patients underwent 48 THAs and 45 THAs with cementless components, respectively. Medical records and follow-up data were reviewed. Harris Hip Score (HHS) was applied to evaluate the pain and function of the hips before and after THA. Complications such as wound healing, surgical site infection, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, mortality, and complications from the prosthesis were reviewed. The operation time, blood loss, and hospital stay were compared between the two groups.

Results:

The mean follow-up period was 19.5 ± 5.8 months (ranging from 6 to 30 months). The mean age of the HIV-positive patients with osteonecrosis at the time of surgery was 35 years old, which was significantly lower than that of the HIV-negative group (42 years old) (P < 0.05). The HIV-positive patients underwent surgery a mean of 2.5 years after their original symptoms, which was significantly shorter than the HIV-negatives’ (mean 4 years) (P < 0.05). Among HIV-positive patients, the prevalence of being male and rate of bilateral procedures were significantly higher than those in the HIV-negative group (P < 0.05). The operation time in HIV-positive patients was significantly longer than that in HIV-negative patients (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in blood loss or hospital stay between the two groups (P > 0.05). The HHSs of two groups significantly improved after THAs (P < 0.05), without significant difference between two groups. No wound complication, sepsis, mortality, prosthesis complication, and occupational exposure occurred, except for two cases of heterotopic ossification and one case of humeral head necrosis.

Conclusions:

ONFH is more likely to occur bilaterally in younger HIV-positive males. The development of osteonecrosis seems faster in HIV-positive patients than in HIV-negative patients. This should be cautionary for asymptomatic HIV-positive patients with low viral RNA level and in the primary HIV stage. Despite longer operation times in the HIV-positive patients than in the HIV-negative patients, THA is still a safe and efficient approach to treat ONFH in HIV-positive patients. The incidence of complications is much lower than previously reported. However, the long-term follow-up is needed.

Nontraumatic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: Where Do We Stand Today? A Ten-Year Update

➤ Although multiple theories have been proposed, no one pathophysiologic mechanism has been identified as the etiology for the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. However, the basic mechanism involves impaired circulation to a specific area that ultimately becomes necrotic.➤ A variety of nonoperative treatment regimens have been evaluated for the treatment of precollapse disease, with varying success. Prospective, multicenter, randomized trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of these regimens in altering the natural history of the disease.➤ Joint-preserving procedures are indicated in the treatment of precollapse disease, with several studies showing successful outcomes at mid-term and long-term follow-up.➤ Studies of total joint arthroplasty, once femoral head collapse is present, have described excellent outcomes at greater than ten years of follow-up, which is a major advance and has led to a paradigm shift in treating these patients.➤ The results of hemiresurfacing and total resurfacing arthroplasty have been suboptimal, and these procedures have restricted indications in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Does HIV infection increase the risk of perioperative complications after THA? A nationwide database study

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown successful midterm outcomes after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, little data exist on the epidemiology, risk of perioperative complications, and length of stay in patients with HIV receiving THA.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purposes of this study were to assess (1) the demographic trends of patients with HIV who underwent primary THA; (2) the differences in the risk of major and minor perioperative complications among patients with and without HIV; and (3) the differences in mean length of hospital stay among patients with and without HIV.

METHODS

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to compare patients with and without HIV who were admitted for THA between 1998 and 2010 in the United States. We extracted data on each admission's age, sex, race, insurance, and comorbidities. The study population consisted of 2,656,696 patients without HIV and 9275 patients with HIV.

RESULTS

Patients with HIV were more likely to be younger, be male, not pay with Medicare, and be of a nonwhite race. After controlling for confounding variables, patients with HIV were more likely to have major complications (2.9% [266 of 9275] versus 2.7% [71,952 of 2,656,696]; odds ratio [OR], 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-2.00; p=0.014) and minor complications (5.2% [483 of 9275] versus 4.8% [127,940 of 2,656,696]; OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.29-2.02; p<0.001) compared with patients who did not have HIV. Patients undergoing THA who had HIV also had an increased length of hospital stay compared with patients without HIV (4.31 versus 3.83 days, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Given these findings, we believe orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of the potential for longer and more complicated hospital stays after THA among patients with HIV. However, the modest increase in risk of adverse outcomes does not cause us to recommend against THA for patients with HIV who otherwise meet reasonable surgical indications. Future studies should explore the relationships between markers of HIV severity and risk of adverse outcomes after THA during the hospital stay and followup.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Surgery of the femur in HIV positive patients: a retrospective review from 2005 to 2011

BACKGROUND

There are an estimated 6,900 people with HIV living in Ireland. There is a significant prevalence of femoral osteonecrosis and risk factors for osteoporotic fractures. With this potential, increasing surgical workload, it is important to assess surgical demand and audit outcomes.

METHODS

The hospital's electronic records were examined. Between January 2005 and August 2011, 17 femoral surgeries were identified in seven patients. Patient records were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Elective operations undertaken were eight hip replacements and one nail dynamisation. Eight emergency operations were undertaken: two DHS, one plating, one nailing, one revision nailing, two incision and drainages and one biopsy. All procedures were carried out using appropriate safety guidelines. Indications for surgery included femoral head osteonecrosis (n = 7), osteomyelitis (n = 3), proximal femoral fracture (n = 2), femoral shaft non-union (n = 1), dynamisation of a nail (n = 1), osteoarthritis (n = 1), fractured femur (n = 1), and revision nailing (n = 1). For two procedures the patient was not on highly active anti-retroviral treatment. All elective patients had CD4 counts greater than 200 pre-operatively. Six patients had undetectable viral loads. Of the eight emergency procedures, four procedures had no preoperative immune status recorded. Complications recorded were three non-unions, one nail fracture, one lesser trochanter fracture and recurrence of osteomyelitis. No surgical site infections were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications were not related to immune status. The rate of surgical site infection in both elective and emergency procedures was low. The elective surgery patients can safely receive orthopaedic treatment in their regional orthopaedic unit. Due to the high non-infectious complication rates recorded in the emergency group, transfer to a tertiary facility with infectious disease expertise is advised.

Total hip replacement in HIV-positive patients

We report the short-term follow-up, functional outcome and incidence of early and late infection after total hip replacement (THR) in a group of HIV-positive patients who do not suffer from haemophilia or have a history of intravenous drug use. A total of 29 patients underwent 43 THRs, with a mean follow-up of three years and six months (five months to eight years and two months). There were ten women and 19 men, with a mean age of 47 years and seven months (21 years to 59 years and five months). No early (< 6 weeks) or late (> 6 weeks) complications occurred following their THR. The mean pre-operative Harris hip score (HHS) was 27 (6 to 56) and the mean post-operative HHS was 86 (73 to 91), giving a mean improvement of 59 points (p = < 0.05, Student’s t-test). No revision procedures had been undertaken in any of the patients, and none had any symptoms consistent with aseptic loosening. This study demonstrates that it is safe to perform THR in HIV-positive patients, with good short-term functional outcomes and no apparent increase in the risk of early infection.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:462–6.

Comorbidities and perioperative complications in HIV-positive patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Highly active antiretroviral therapy has prolonged the lifespan of individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We hypothesized that the number of primary total joint arthroplasties performed in this population has been increasing and that HIV infection is not an independent risk factor for postoperative complications.

METHODS

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 2000 through 2008 was queried to identify patients who underwent primary total joint arthroplasty. HIV, comorbidities, and complications were identified with use of ICD-9-CM (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification) codes. Data were analyzed with use of multivariate logistic regression, the Pearson chi-square test, and the Mann-Kendall trend test.

RESULTS

Of the estimated 5,681,024 admissions for primary total hip and knee arthroplasty in the United States during this period, 8229 (0.14%) were in patients who had HIV. Compared with HIV-negative patients (controls), infected patients were more likely to be younger, be male, and have a history of osteonecrosis, liver disease, drug use, and coagulopathy. The number of total hip and total knee arthroplasties in HIV-positive patients increased from 2000 to 2008 (p &lt; 0.05). Seventy-nine percent (6499) of the total joint arthroplasties in the HIV-positive patients involved the hip. Compared with HIV-negative patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty, HIV-positive patients were more likely to develop acute renal failure (1.3% compared with 0.8%, p = 0.04), develop a wound infection (0.6% compared with 0.3%, p = 0.02), and undergo postoperative irrigation and debridement (0.2% compared with 0.1%, p = 0.01). They were less likely to have a myocardial infarction (0.4% compared with 0.9%, p = 0.04). There was no difference in total complications (8.3% compared with 7.8%, p = 0.52). Similarly, there was no difference in total complications in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (7.8% compared with 8.0%, p = 0.76). HIV was not an independent risk factor for complications in total hip arthroplasty (odds ratio [OR], 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95 to 1.47) or total knee arthroplasty (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.49 to 1.25).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of primary total joint arthroplasty in HIV-positive patients has been increasing. These patients were at slightly higher risk of certain immediate postoperative complications because of a higher rate of medical comorbidities. HIV infection was not an independent risk factor for the total rate of perioperative complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Total joint arthroplasty in human immunodeficiency virus positive patients

Recent advances in the medical management of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have led to improvement in their life expectancy. The growing numbers of HIV-positive patients are now living long enough to develop end-stage arthritis, as well as other long-term musculoskeletal complications of HIV infection and treatment. This has resulted in an increased demand for total joint arthroplasty among these individuals. However, the safety and outcomes of such procedures are frequently questioned in published reports. Although increased complication rates have often been reported, most studies have reported on joint arthroplasties in HIV patients with hemophilia. The most widely reported complications in both HIV-negative and positive hemophiliac patients are aseptic loosening and postoperative infection. A possible relationship between the rate of these complications and cluster of differentiation (CD4) lymphocyte count has also been proposed. In addition to hemophilia, other factors frequently comorbid with HIV infection, such as intravenous drug use, can further complicate the clinical outcomes of these individuals following total joint replacement procedures. Physicians treating HIV positive patients must remain aware of the risks and outcomes of total joint surgery in this group when counseling them on treatment options.

Total hip replacement in patients with history of illicit injecting drug use

BACKGROUND

A history of illicit injecting drug use makes indication of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with end stage hip osteoarthritis difficult, as the risk of infection with colonized strains is multiplied if the patient continues to inject or inhale illicit drugs.

METHODS

A retrospective survivorship analysis of a consecutive series of 27 THA in patients with a history of illicit drug use was performed. Follow-up evaluation consisted of (1) a WOMAC score, (2) a standardized interview including queries on drug habits and eventual additional medico-surgical treatments of the affected hip, (3) a clinical examination in order to complete a Harris Hip Score, (4) radiological examination and (5) blood tests (blood sedimentation rates and C-reactive protein). Defined endpoints were death, implant revised or awaiting revision for deep infection or any other reason and lost to follow-up or follow-up after at least 2 years.

RESULTS

Overall, 5- and 10-year implant survival rates with failure for any reason were 61 % (CI: 41;81) and 52.3 % (CI: 29;76) and for septic reasons 70.6 % (CI: 52;89) and 60.5 % (CI: 36;85), respectively. Even if at the time of THA all patients and respective health care professionals confirmed abstinence of illicit injecting drug use, five patients reported occasional use. Declared abstinence of less than 1 year before THA was associated with higher recurrence rates (p = 0.001) and both with higher septic failure rates (p = 0.023, p = 0.061). Positive serology for human deficiency virus did not increase implant failure rates.

CONCLUSION

We use this unacceptable high failure rate as evidence when counseling patients and their health care professionals about the appropriate treatment of osteoarthritis in patients with a history of illicit drug use. Furthermore, we support the request of hair analysis for drugs documenting abstinence of at least 1 year before indicating THA.