HIV and Orthopaedics: Musculoskeletal Manifestations and Outcomes

The Effects of Syphilis Infection on Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: This study investigated the impact of recent syphilis infection on postoperative outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We hypothesized that patients with a documented history of syphilis infection would experience a higher rate of postoperative complications compared to those without such a history. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using a national insurance claims database. Our study population included 237,360 patients who underwent primary TKA between 2005 and 2024. Patients were classified into two groups based on the presence (+Syph) or absence (-Syph) of a syphilis diagnosis within one year prior to the TKA. We evaluated the rates of several postoperative complications at 30 days postsurgery, including infection, hematologic issues, and cardiac events. Statistical analyses between groups was performed using chi-squared tests and Fisher's exact tests. Routine demographic data such as age, sex, race, and comorbidities were also analyzed. Results: Among the 237,360 TKA patients, we identified 71 with a history of syphilis within one year of their surgery. The +Syph group exhibited significantly higher rates of periprosthetic infection (4.23% vs. 0.81%, p = 0.001), need for manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) at four months (7.04% vs. 2.82%, p = 0.032), deep venous thrombosis (4.23% vs. 1.27%, p = 0.026), periprosthetic fracture (2.82% vs. 0.23%, p < 0.001), and pneumonia (2.82% vs. 0.62%, p = 0.019) within 30 days postTKA. No significant differences were observed in 30-day mortality, deep or superficial surgical site infections, wound dehiscence, blood loss anemia, or transfusion requirements. Additionally, rates of acute renal failure, pulmonary embolism, and cardiac events did not differ significantly between groups. Demographically, patients in the syphilis cohort had a higher prevalence of smoking and diabetes preoperatively within one year of their surgical date. Conclusions: A documented syphilis diagnosis within one year of TKA significantly affects postoperative outcomes, increasing the rates of prosthetic joint infection, MUA, deep venous thrombosis, periprosthetic fracture, and pneumonia. These findings underscore the need for heightened vigilance in the pre- and postoperative management of patients with a history of syphilis infection undergoing TKA. Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between prior syphilis infection and TKA outcomes, as well as to develop strategies to mitigate this increased risk.

Immobile to Ambulation: Complex Multijoint Pathologies in a Patient with Advanced HIV Disease: A Case Report

CASE

A 30-year-old man with a history of advanced HIV disease (AHD) presented with bilateral equinocavus, leg, and foot muscle paresis, Brooker grade 4 heterotopic ossification of hips and knee stiffness, and was unable to sit upright, stand independently, or walk. Electromyography showed demyelinating sensorimotor and axonal polyneuropathy of lower extremities. Multiple surgeries of bilateral hips, ankles, and feet enabled joint mobility, plantigrade feet, and independent ambulation.

CONCLUSION

Patients with AHD may develop multijoint pathologies, secondary to HIV, antiretroviral therapy, or prolonged immobility, resulting in loss of ambulation and independence. Restoring ambulation may necessitate multiple surgeries, with potential for success.

Investigating and Practicing Orthopedics at the Intersection of Sex and Gender: Understanding the Physiological Basis, Pathology, and Treatment Response of Orthopedic Conditions by Adopting a Gender Lens: A Narrative Overview

In the biomedical field, the differentiation between sex and gender is crucial for enhancing the understanding of human health and personalizing medical treatments, particularly within the domain of orthopedics. This distinction, often overlooked or misunderstood, is vital for dissecting and treating musculoskeletal conditions effectively. This review delves into the sex- and gender-specific physiology of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, highlighting how hormonal differences impact the musculoskeletal system's structure and function, and exploring the physiopathology of orthopedic conditions from an epidemiological, molecular, and clinical perspective, shedding light on the discrepancies in disease manifestation across sexes. Examples such as the higher rates of deformities (adolescent idiopathic and adult degenerative scoliosis and hallux valgus) in females and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women illustrate the critical role of sex and gender in orthopedic health. Additionally, the review addresses the morbidity-mortality paradox, where women, despite appearing less healthy on frailty indexes, show lower mortality rates, highlighting the complex interplay between biological and social determinants of health. Injuries and chronic orthopedic conditions such osteoarthritis exhibit gender- and sex-specific prevalence and progression patterns, necessitating a nuanced approach to treatment that considers these differences to optimize outcomes. Moreover, the review underscores the importance of recognizing the unique needs of sexual minority and gender-diverse individuals in orthopedic care, emphasizing the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy on aspects like bone health and perioperative risks. To foster advancements in sex- and gender-specific orthopedics, we advocate for the strategic disaggregation of data by sex and gender and the inclusion of "Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity" (SOGI) data in research and clinical practice. Such measures can enrich clinical insights, ensure tailored patient care, and promote inclusivity within orthopedic treatments, ultimately enhancing the precision and effectiveness of care for diverse patient populations. Integrating sex and gender considerations into orthopedic research and practice is paramount for addressing the complex and varied needs of patients. By embracing this comprehensive approach, orthopedic medicine can move towards more personalized, effective, and inclusive treatment strategies, thereby improving patient outcomes and advancing the field.

Surgical Outcomes of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-positive Patients Undergoing Lumbar Degenerative Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort studying using a national administrative database.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the postoperative complications and quality outcomes of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients undergoing surgical management for lumbar degenerative disease (LDD).

METHODS

This study identified patients with who underwent surgery for LDD between 2007 and 2016. Patients were stratified based on whether they were HIV positive at the time of surgery. Multivariate regression was utilized to reduce the confounding of baseline covariates. Patients who underwent 3 or more levels of surgical correction were under the age of 18 years, or those with any prior history of trauma or tumor were excluded from this study. Baseline comorbidities, postoperative complication rates, and reoperation rates were determined.

RESULTS

A total of 120,167 patients underwent primary lumbar degenerative surgery, of which 309 (0.26%) were HIV positive. In multivariate regression analysis, the HIV-positive cohort was more likely to be readmitted at 30 days [odds ratio (OR)=1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-2.8], 60 days (OR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.5), and 90 days (OR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.0-2.2). The HIV-positive cohort was also more likely to experience any postoperative complication (OR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.3). Of the major drivers identified, HIV-positive patients had significantly greater odds of cerebrovascular disease and postoperative neurological complications (OR=3.8, 95% CI: 1.8-6.9) and acute kidney injury (OR=3.4, 95% CI: 1.3-7.1). Costs of index hospitalization were not significantly different between the 2 cohorts ($30,056 vs. $29,720, P=0.6853). The total costs were also similar throughout the 2-year follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Patients who are HIV positive at the time of LDD surgery are at a higher risk for postoperative central nervous system and renal complications and unplanned readmissions.

Impact of human immunodeficiency virus on 2-year revision rates following lumbar fusion for degenerative spinal conditions: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

To our knowledge, no studies exist that evaluate the impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on long-term revision rates following lumbar fusion. This study aims to understand how HIV impacts 2-year revision rates and 90-day postoperative complication rates following primary lumbar fusion for degenerative spine conditions.

METHODS

Data collection was done using PearlDiver Patient Records Database, a national insurance database from 2010-2019. Patients who underwent primary lumbar fusion for degenerative diseases were divided into a cohort of patients that are HIV positive (HIV), have asymptomatic HIV (AHIV), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and HIV-negative at the time of their procedure. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to determine rates of revision surgery, surgical site infection (SSI), neurological complications, sensory deficits, bowel/bladder dysfunction and myelopathies within two years of surgery as well as 90-day postoperative complications.

RESULTS

In total, 216,587 patients were included in this study. Of these, 631 patients (0.29%) had HIV including 502 patients (0.23%) with asymptomatic HIV and 129 patients (0.06%) with AIDS. Relative to the control cohort, patients with HIV had no difference in odds of two-year revision surgery, SSI, neurological complications, sensory deficits, bowel/bladder dysfunction and myelopathies. Patients with HIV did have increased odds of postoperative pneumonia (OR 1.592; 95% CI: 1.048-2.314; P=0.021). AIDS patients had greater odds of respiratory complications (OR 2.585; 95% CI: 1.075-5.264; P=0.017) and septic complications (OR 2.702; 95% CI: 1.122-5.514; P=0.013) 90-day postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found that HIV positive status did not significantly affect two-year revision rates compared to the control group. However, there is a higher rate of pneumonia and respiratory complications among HIV positive patients. Before deciding to proceed with surgical intervention in HIV positive individuals, surgeons must carefully consider each patient's specific diagnosis, comorbidities, and risk factors.

Bibliometric analysis of research on the effects of human immunodeficiency virus in orthopaedic and trauma surgery

BACKGROUND

There is little research investigating how human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects outcomes in orthopaedic surgery. With advances in treatment, HIV has become a chronic health problem and the chance of orthopaedic surgeons encountering it in clinical practice is increasing.

AIM

To ascertain the quantity and quality of peer-reviewed publications in orthopaedic journals about HIV.

METHODS

A search of the Web of Science database was carried out, identifying any articles relating to HIV published in orthopaedic journals. These were assessed for geographic origin and level of evidence.

RESULTS

Of 48.7% of orthopaedic journals listed on the Web of Science database had published articles relating to HIV. There were 168 articles about HIV in orthopaedic journals with only 40.5% (n = 68) published in the time frame we analysed (January 2007 to September 2017). Very few articles came from low-income countries and any articles published from that setting were collaborations. All of the articles were low level of evidence.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for more high level orthopaedic and trauma research investigating the effects of HIV, particularly research from low-income countries, where higher level research will help to guide improvements in their treatment of its musculoskeletal manifestations and complications.

Treatment Outcomes of Periprosthetic Joint Infection in HIV-positive Patients

Relevance. There is a limited number of publications reporting outcomes of primary large joint arthroplasty in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The authors were unable to find papers on revision arthroplasty in patients with periprosthetic infection. Purpose of the study — to evaluate short term outcomes after revision arthroplasty in HIV-positive patients with periprosthetic infection of the hip and knee joint. Materials and methods. 13 HIV-positive patients with periprosthetic infection of the hip (10 cases) and knee (3 cases) joint underwent treatment in the period from 2015 to 2019. Patients were examined by clinical, laboratory and roentgenological methods. Harris Hip Score and Knee Society Score were used for evaluation prior to and after the surgery. Results. Mean follow up period was 21,4±2,6 months. Successful two-stage treatment was performed in two (15,4%) out of 13 patients with periprosthetic infection. In 5 cases (38,5%) control over infection was achieved by resection arthroplasty, and in one case (7,7%) – by arthrodesis. Five patients (38,5%) refused from interchange of spacer to prosthesis. Mean Harris Hip score demonstrated insignificant increase postoperatively — from 45,3±2,2 to 52,2±4,15 (р = 0,2). Conclusion. Despite following the international protocols for treatment of implant-associated infection the infection recurrence rate in HIV-positive patients in the asymptomatic phase remains very high. Efficiency of twostage treatment using antibacterial spacers in the present group of patients amounted only to 15,4%.

The effect of concomitant fibromyalgia in HIV infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy: a prospective cross-sectional study

Background

HIV infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) have extensive musculoskeletal system involvement. Arthralgia and myalgia are the most common forms. Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome of the musculoskeletal system characterized by diffuse pain including arthralgia and myalgia. These overlapping symptoms are suggested the relationship between HIV and FMS. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of FMS in HIV/AIDS patients. The secondary objective was to investigate the effects of FMS on functional status, depression, fatigue, sleep pattern and quality of life.

Methods

A total of 225 HIV infected patients who were receiving ART were included in this cross-sectional prospective study. The demographic data of the participants, CD4 T-lymphocyte count (cells/mm³), viral load (> 40 copy/ml), and ART regimens were recorded. FMS diagnosis was based on 2016 revision of diagnostic criteria. All patients completed the following questionnaires: Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and SF-36 scale.

Results

FMS was found in 20% of the HIV infected patients (n = 45). The mean duration of disease was 4.74 ± 4.42 years; it was significantly longer in patients with FMS (p = 0.007). The median CD4 T-lymphocyte count was found to be 616.00 ± 303.91 cells/mm³, and it was significantly higher in patients without FMS (p = 0.06). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups according to the drug regimens used. A statistically significant difference was found in FIQ, BDI, PSQI, FSS and all subgroups of the SF-36 scale between the patients with and without FMS (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

A slightly higher frequency of FMS was determined in HIV infected patients receiving ART compared to previous studies. It was shown that presence of FMS negatively affected the function, depression, fatigue, sleep, and quality of life. Detection of FMS may decrease depression, fatigue, and sleep disorders and increase the quality of life in HIV infected patients. FMS should be distinguished correctly for an accurate treatment management of HIV and for increasing ART compliance.

Assessing the impact of HIV status on injury outcomes: A multicenter study of trauma patients in Rwanda

BACKGROUND

There is conflicting evidence regarding the impact of human immunodeficiency virus serostatus on trauma outcomes in low-resource settings. This study sought to evaluate the impact of human immunodeficiency virus serostatus on mortality outcomes for Rwandan patients presenting after trauma.

METHODS

This retrospective review of the University of Rwanda trauma registry captured all adult trauma patients with known human immunodeficiency virus status presenting between March 2011 and July 2015. Confirmed human immunodeficiency virus-positive cases were matched 1:2 with known human immunodeficiency virus-negative controls using a modified Kampala Trauma Score, sex, and district of residence or primary hospital. All-cause mortality was compared using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

In total, 11,280 patients were recorded prospectively in the registry (169 human immunodeficiency virus positive; 334 human immunodeficiency virus negative matches). There was no difference in delay of hospital presentation or time until operation (P = .50 and P = .57, respectively). Less than 30% of all patients underwent operation during admission (n = 133), and the rate of operative intervention was independent of human immunodeficiency virus serostatus (P = .946). There was no association between development of any complication and human immunodeficiency virus status (P = .837). The overall mortality rate was 8.9% and 3.3% for human immunodeficiency virus-positive and human immunodeficiency virus-negative patients, respectively (P = .010). Human immunodeficiency virus positivity was associated with increased 30-day mortality when controlling for potential confounders (P = .016; odds ratio 3.60, 95% confidence interval: 1.27-10.2, C statistic 0.88).

CONCLUSION

Both human immunodeficiency virus and trauma pose substantial public health threats in sub-Saharan Africa. Known human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity in Rwandan trauma patients is associated with early mortality. Further investigation regarding testing, treatment, and outcomes in human immunodeficiency virus-positive trauma patients is warranted and provides an opportunity for leveraging human immunodeficiency virus global health efforts in trauma outcomes assessment.

Optimal timing for elective total hip replacement in HIV-positive patients

INTRODUCTION

Evidence about the optimal timing for total hip replacement (THR) in HIV-positive patients is scant.

HYPOTHESIS

Preoperative criteria: cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) counts>200cells/mm3 and an undetectable HIV virus load before THR, improve infection rates, aseptic loosenings, and functional outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We recruited 16 HIV-positive patients who had undergone 25 THRs between 2003 and 2015. None had hemophilia, and none were intravenous drug users (IVDUs).

RESULTS

Their mean age was 41.2 years (range: 24-60); minimum follow-up was 12 months (mean: 64.6); mean duration of prophylactic antibiotics was 2.9 days (range: 1-5); and mean hospital length of stay was 6.0 days (range: 4-11). No patients were treated with subsequent oral antibiotics. The mean preoperative CD4 count was 464.1±237.0 (range: 235-904)cells/mm3. There were no early superficial surgical site infections, late periprosthetic joint infections, or aseptic loosenings. Post-surgery Harris Hip score was significantly (p<0.001) better.

DISCUSSION

A preoperative CD4 count>200cell/mm3 and an undetectable HIV virus load might indicate optimal timing for elective THRs in HIV-positive patients without hemophilia and not IVDUs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective or historical series.

Otorhinolaryngological profile and surgical intervention in patients with HIV/AIDS

Little is known about the diagnosis and surgical management of head and neck conditions in patients with HIV/AIDS. This study was conducted to characterize the otorhinolaryngological (ORL) profiles, surgical interventions and outcomes in patients with HIV/AIDS. This retrospective study included patients with HIV/AIDS who underwent head and neck surgeries at You'an Hospital from November 2009 to February 2017. Patients' ages, ORL diagnoses and surgical interventions for all ORL surgeries were recorded. We identified 57 ORL surgeries in 52 patients during this time. The mean age of the patients was 37.7 ± 12.8 years, with a predominance of male patients (90.4%). The three most common surgical diagnoses were chronic tonsillitis (19.3%), followed by chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) (14.0%) and vocal polyps (8.8%). The three most common surgeries performed were tonsillectomy (19.3%), endoscopic sinus surgery + radiofrequency ablation of the inferior turbinate (14.0%) and vocal cord polypectomy (8.8%). No mortality occurred in the 30 days after surgery, but 2 patients (3.8%) developed post-operative surgical site infections (SSI). These findings provide information on ORL manifestations and surgical interventions in patients with HIV/AIDS and may assist in the achievement of the most appropriate treatments for this patient population.

Inpatient Outcomes After Elective Lumbar Spinal Fusion for Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the Absence of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

BACKGROUND

To our knowledge, no prior study has evaluated outcomes after elective lumbar spinal surgery in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This review investigated the impact of HIV-positive status (without AIDS) on outcomes after elective lumbar fusion for degenerative disc disease (DDD).

METHODS

Adult patients registered in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002-2011) undergoing elective lumbar fusion for DDD were extracted. Multivariable regression techniques were used to explore the association of HIV positivity with outcomes after lumbar fusion.

RESULTS

This cohort included 612,000 hospitalizations (0.07% were HIV positive) of lumbar fusion for DDD. Compared with HIV-negative patients undergoing lumbar fusion, HIV-positive patients were younger (47 vs. 55 years), male (61% vs. 42%), largely insured by Medicare (30% vs. 5%), and had higher rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (23.7% vs. 14.6%) (all P < 0.001) but had lower rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes (all P < 0.001). Multivariable models demonstrated HIV positivity to be associated with higher odds for an adverse event (odds ratio [OR], 1.92; P < 0.001), in-hospital mortality (OR, 39.91; P < 0.001), wound complications (OR, 2.60; P = 0.004), respiratory (OR, 5.43; P < 0.001) and neurologic (OR, 1.96; P = 0.039) complications, and higher costs (7.1% higher; P = 0.011) compared with non-HIV patients. There were no differences in thromboembolic events, cardiac or gastrointestinal complications, discharge disposition, or length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Even in this selected cohort of well-controlled HIV patients, there were high complications, with concerning rates of death and respiratory complications. These data shed new light on elective spine surgery in HIV patients and may influence the treatment algorithm of surgeons who are familiar with older papers.