Fractures of the ankle are common, and they mostly affect young adults. Wound complications are not uncommon following the fixation of these fractures. This study evaluated the impact of HIV on wound healing after plate osteosynthesis in patients with closed ankle fractures. This is an observational retrospective study of patients operated on at a tertiary level hospital. We reviewed hospital records for patients above 18 years of age who presented with wound breakdown following ankle open reduction and internal fixation. The patients’ hospital records were retrieved to identify all the patients treated for closed ankle fractures and those who developed wound breakdown. Patients with Pilon fractures were excluded. The National Health Laboratory System (NHLS) database was accessed to retrieve the CD4 count, viral load, haematology study results, and biochemistry results of these patients at the time of surgery and subsequent follow-up. The x-rays were retrieved from the electronic picture archiving system (PACS) and were assessed for fracture union at a minimum of 3 months follow-up. We reviewed the medical records of 172 patients with closed ankle fractures treated from 2018 to 2022. Thirty-one (18.0%) developed wound breakdown after surgery, and they were all tested for HIV. Most of the patients were male (58.0%), and the average age of the cohort was 43.7 years (range: 21 years to 84 years). Ten of these patients (32.2%) were confirmed HIV positive, with CD4 counts ranging from 155 to 781. Viral load levels were lower than detectable in 40% of these patients. All patients progressed to fracture union at a minimum of 3 months follow-up. We observed no difference between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients in terms of wound breakdown and bone healing post-plate osteosynthesis for closed ankle fractures

Background:. There is limited evidence regarding HIV infection as a risk factor for delayed union and implants sepsis in patient with fractures treated with surgical fixation. Most studies have included patient with a variety of different fractures and hence very different risks regarding delayed union and implant sepsis. We have looked at a single fracture, closed femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing, to see if HIV infection is a risk factor with for the development of delayed union and implant sepsis. We present a prospective study of 160 patients with closed femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing. Primary outcomes were delayed union of more than 6 months and implant sepsis in the first 12 months. Methods:. From February 2011 until November 2012 all patient with closed femoral shaft fractures treated at our hospital were included in the study. Patients were tested for HIV infection and a number of clinical parameters were documented, including: AO fracture score, duration of surgery, level of training of surgeon, comorbidities, CD4 count, high energy injury and number of operations. Results:. Forty (25%) patients were HIV positive. Seven patients had CD4 counts below 350 cells/µL and 12 patients were on ARV's. Four (3%) patients developed implants sepsis and of these 1 (25%) was HIV positive. Two (1%) patients had a delayed union of more than 6 months and both these patients were HIV negative. Conclusion:. HIV is not a risk factor for delayed union and implant sepsis in the first 12 months after surgery. Intramedullary nailing is a safe and effective in the treatment of HIV positive patients with closed femur fractures

A prospective study was undertaken of wound healing in HIV positive patients undergoing orthopaedic implant surgery. 175 implant operations were assessed. 40 operations (23%) were in HIV positive individuals. Wounds were scored using the Asepsis scoring system. Closed fractures in HIV positive patients had 1 (3. 5%) major infection. No correlation was seen between CD4 count and risk of wound infection. With regards to early wound sepsis, implant surgery can be undertaken safely in HIV positive individuals with closed injuries regardless of CD4 count. The risk of wound sepsis rises dramatically in implant surgery for HIV positive patients with open fractures

Introduction. The resurgence of TB worldwide has several underlying causes, but HIV infection has undoubtedly been a key factor in the current TB epidemic. Since TB is endemic in the developing world the influence of HIV is of concern, particularly with the emergence of multi-drug-resistant strains. The remarkable susceptibility of patients with AIDS to develop TB has shown the critical role of CD4 lymphocytes in protective immunity. In the absence of immunological surveillance by CD4 cells, 5-10% of persons with latent foci of TB reactivate each year. Aim. This paper highlights the presentation and outcome following treatment in HIV patients with spinal TB. Methods. 81 HIV+ve patients with spinal tuberculosis were prospectively evaluated between 2006 and 2007. The mean age was 31 years and 63% were females. The thoracic spine was affected in 45, lumbar (33) and cervical (3). Non-contiguous lesions were noted in six patients. Sixty-six (81%) patients had neurological deficit. The mean Hb was (10.1gm/dl), mean WCC 4.9, mean lymphocyte count was 1.8, mean ESR 79mm/h and the mean CD4 count was 268 cell/cumm. Co-morbidities were seen in 68% of patients. All patients were optimised prior to treatment. Posterolateral decompression was performed in 29 cases, anterior decompression (25), needle biopsy (13), incision and drainage 5 and 9 were treated non-operatively. Medication included ARV (72 patients) and anti-TB in all patients. Results. The mean follow-up was 21 months. Eleven (13.5%) patients developed wound infection and one child died. Complete recovery occurred in 23 patients (35%). The mean CD4 count was 341 cell/cumm. Conclusion. The short term results are encouraging. These patients are best managed by a multidisciplinary team to monitor potential complications from dual therapy, to ensure compliance and adequate nutrition

Background: The importance of HIV in trauma has been poorly investigated. There’re few reports in the literature on the effects of HIV on fracture healing, those that there are involve small numbers. Many surgeons have concerns about both internal and external fixation in these patients. Some of the most recent published studies have suggested a 4 fold increase in infection rates in internal fixation of open fractures (small series 39 patients, 12 of whom HIV positive). In our hospital we have prospectively reviewed the outcomes of our open fractures treated by internal fixation, to see if HIV is a significant risk factor for wound infection and non union. Methods: All patients undergoing internal fixation for open fractures were entered into a database. Patients were managed along predesigned protocols, under the care of one consultant to try and standardise care. Patients were followed up in a dedicated clinic. 96% 2 month follow up and 84% 3 month follow up was obtained. Results: Over a 9 month period 102 open fractures were treated with internal fixation. 23% of patients were HIV positive and 14% declined to be tested. CD4 counts ranged from 131–862, mean of 387. The superficial wound infection rate was 13% in HIV positive patients and 15% in HIV negative patients. Sub group analysis suggested that HIV positive patients with low CD4 counts and grade 1 injuries were significantly more likely to develop wound infections (50%) than controls (12%), p value=0.02. Grade 1 injuries were not managed with urgent debridement, under hospital guidelines, and had an average delay to theatre of 4 days. Rates of non union were 4% and 2% in the HIV positive/negative groups respectively. Conclusions: This series is the largest prospective study in the literature. Our data suggests that:. The risks of acute infection in open fractures fixed by internal fixation in HIV positive individuals may not be as high as some previous studies have suggested;. Open fractures in HIV positive patients can be managed to union with internal fixation;. That in may not be appropriate to leave grade 1 injuries in HIV positive patients for non urgent debridement/fixation, as previous studies have suggested. Discussion: We feel that the current dogma of denying such patients internal fixation, is no longer appropriate. Although this study does not provide a direct comparison between differing Methods: of fixation, it provides the strongest evidence available in the literature, that internal fixation should be considered as a treatment option in these patients. We are currently awaiting the result of long term follow up looking at rates of delayed sepsis in these patients

Methods. We conducted a single centre prospective observational study comparing post-operative infection rates in HIV positive and HIV negative patients presenting with tibial shaft fractures managed with surgical fixation. Results. Twenty eight patients were incorporated over a six month period and followed up for three months post operatively. 25 open fractures including 6 HIV positive patients and 3 closed fractures including 1 HIV positive patient were assessed for signs of wound sepsis assessed with the asepsis wound score. 21 patients treated with external fixation including 4 HIV positive patients were also assessed using Checkett's scoring system for pin site infection. There was no significant difference in post-operative wound infection rates between the HIV positive (mean wound score = 7.7) and HIV negative (mean = 3.7) patients (p=0.162). HIV positive patients were also found to be at no increased risk of pin site sepsis (p=0.520). No correlation was found between CD4 counts of HIV positive patients and wound infection rates. Conclusions. Our results show that HIV positive patients with tibial fractures are not significantly more at risk of wound infection postoperatively. External fixation has also been shown to be a safe effective treatment of open tibial fractures in HIV patients

There is increasing awareness of and concern about the treatment of HIV-infected patients with painful joint arthropathy. Orthopaedic surgeons and hospitals face the challenge of providing optimal treatment in the most cost effective way. The purpose of this study was to determine the most effective way of treating arthropathy in HIV-infected patients and to document the complications. Twelve HIV-positive patients with a mean age of 45 years underwent THA. Assessment of nutritional status showed a mean serum albumen of 300 g/l. The mean haemoglobin was 11. The ESR was elevated in all cases, with a mean of 92 mm/hour Westergren and mean CD4 count of 455. At follow-up (mean 36 months) all patients were fully ambulant, with no signs of infection. Nevertheless, the decision to perform total joint replacement in HIV-positive patients should be taken with utmost care. The outcome depends on a number of factors, including nutritional status, coexisting medical problems and the stage of the disease

This study was undertaken to determine the most effective way of treating intracapsular femoral neck fractures in HIV-positive patients. Ten patients with a mean age of 36 years were treated. Excision Girdlestone was performed In three patients in whom previous internal fixation had failed: all had poor nutritional status and low CD4 counts (mean 162). Three patients with undis-placed fractures were treated with percutaneous AO screws and a dynamic hip screw. In the remaining four patients, total hip arthroplasty (THA) was performed. At a mean follow-up of 14 months, all patients were fully ambulant with no signs of infection. The decision to proceed with THA in HIV-positive patients should be made only after weighing the ratio of risks and benefits. The ultimate outcome depends on a number of factors, including displacement of fractures, previous surgery, co-existent medical problems, nutritional status and the stage of the disease

HIV and musculoskeletal trauma have reached epidemic proportions in the developing world especially in sub Saharan Africa. The epidemic has adversely affected health care delivery in limited resource settings. We assessed the outcome of HIV+ patients following spinal surgery for fractures and dislocations. Forty seven HIV+ patients were treated surgically over the past three years. The mean age was 32 years (19–53 years) and included 39 males. The dorsolumbar region was affected in 28 patients and the cervical spine in 19. Motor vehicle collisions (34) accounted for 72% of the injuries. Neurology occurred in 49% of patients (23). The mean CD4 count was 426 (range 98–742). The albumen was 29 gm/d? (range 26–34) and the lymphocyte count was 1.6c/cumm range 1.4–1.9). Twenty eight patients had generalized lymphadenopathy and recent weight loss was noted in 11 patients. Fifteen patients were treated for pulmonary TB and seven patients were on ARVs. The dislocations at the cervical spine commonly occurred at C5/6 (8). Three patients required a posterior cervical release with facetectomy prior to anterior cervical plating which was performed in all patients. The dislocations and unstable burst fractures of the dorsolumbar spine were treated by a one/two level posterior fusion. Post-operative sepsis due to S. aureus occurred in 8 (17%) patients. In four patients with deep infection vacuum dressings were used to clear the sepsis. Post-operative sepsis is best avoided by optimization of patients and meticulous surgery

Introduction. The Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has changed all aspects of orthopaedic practice in Durban, South Africa. In our Arthroplasty unit, we have noticed a significant increase in HIV positive patients that required total hip arthroplasty (THR). Method. We conducted a retrospective, demographic chart review of all patients below the age of 55years undergoing primary THR in our unit from 2004 to 2011. Results. The results show a steady rise from 22 THR's in 2004, to 51 in 2011. There was a demographic change in patients presenting with avascular necrosis (AVN) as primary diagnosis, with a significant increase of HIV positive patients. The new demographic group that makes up 44% of our current practice are black Africans, particularly females (70% of all black patients). The majority of them (66%) have none of the previous risk factors for AVN (alcohol, smoking and steroids) and out of this group 52% are HIV positive on anti-retroviral medication (ARV's) with an average CD4 count of 516. All HIV positive patients, in this demographic study, were black African females. Discussion. In the past, the typical patient receiving a primary THR for AVN in Durban was a young Asian male. These patients had strong associations with alcohol, smoking and oral steroid use. This demographic group makes up 33% of our current practice. Demonstrated clearly is a change in demographics of patient population and this lead to a number of interesting questions. What caused this sudden increase in HIV related AVN in our unit? To what extend do ARV's contribute to this accelerated progression of AVN and HIV?. This paper focuses our attention on HIV and its affect in modern orthopaedics. The challenge is great, the question remains … how will we respond?. NO DISCLOSURES

The increased prevalence of HIV has increased awareness and concern for the diagnosis and treatment of patients requiring total joint arthroplasty. Collective experience with HIV and arthroplasty at any institution is small and limited. This study evaluates the clinical outcome of arthroplasty in HIV infected patients. Between July 2000 and August 2001, we treated 14 patients (4 female) and with uncemented total hip replacement. (Mean age of 42 years). Informed consent was obtained before HIV testing and counselling was provided for all patients. Patients were classified according to the WHO and CDC classification. All patients were operated on by a single surgeon using the Hardinge approach. 14 Patients were followed up with a mean follow up 62 months. The pre-lymphycyte subset analysis was TLC-2.24, CD4 425, CD8 873, CD4/CD8-0.52. All patients were fully ambulant. One patient sustained a periprosthetic fracture following a high energy car accident which was treated non operatively. Three patients have dropped their CD4 count to below 200 and are presently receiving antiretroviral treatment. There was no loosening, infection or dislocation. The literature on complications associated with arthroplasty in HIV infected patients is inconsistent. A few authors have reported a 40% incidence of infection with total joint replacement. In this series there were no infections, and the outcome of total joint arthroplasty depends on the nutritional status of the patient, the stage of the under lying disease, as well as previous surgery and co-morbidities. Orthopaedic Surgeons should be aware of the increasing prevalence of HIV infection, and that arthroplasty in these patients can be safely performed with minimum complications

Aims

The incidence of limb fractures in patients living with HIV (PLWH) is increasing. However, due to their immunodeficiency status, the operation and rehabilitation of these patients present unique challenges. Currently, it is urgent to establish a standardized perioperative rehabilitation plan based on the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). This study aimed to validate the effectiveness of ERAS in the perioperative period of PLWH with limb fractures.

The June 2015 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: HIV-related implant surgery in trauma; Major transfusion under the spotlight; Surgery and mortality in elderly acetabular fractures; Traction pin safety; Obesity and trauma; Salvage of acetabular fixation in the longer term

The February 2014 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: predicting nonunion; compartment Syndrome; octogenarian RTCs; does HIV status affect decision making in open tibial fractures?; flap timing and related complications; proximal humeral fractures under the spotlight; restoration of hip architecture with bipolar hemiarthroplasty in the elderly; and short versus long cephalomedullary nails for the treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures in patients over 65 years.