Outcomes of cementless primary THA for osteonecrosis in HIV-infected patients

Urgent Focus on the Surgical Risks of People Living With HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

With the widespread promotion and application of antiretroviral therapy in clinical practice, people living with HIV (PLWH) have the potential to live as long as non-HIV people and the probability of surgery for PLWH has been increasing dramatically. However, the overall postoperative outcome and risk are still unclear. We performed comprehensive and methodical searches in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science without date and language restrictions. Study outcomes included: (1) cure rate, (2) mortality, (3) reoperation rate, (4) incidence of any postoperative complications, (5) length of stay, and (6) operation duration. NOS scores were employed to evaluate bias risk, while publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger tests. Review Manager version 5.4.1, R version 4.4.1, and Stata version 14.0 were employed to determine quantitative analysis, considering a significance level of p < 0.05. A total of 50 studies were included, involving 54 565 PLWH undergoing surgical treatment. Synthesis analysis showed that the mortality (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.58-1.83, p < 0.00001), reoperation rate (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.36-2.34, p < 0.00001), complication rate (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.26-1.95, p < 0.00001), LOS (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.28-1.99, p < 0.00001), and operation time (OR = 7.37, 95% CI: 1.14-13.59, p = 0.02) were increased in PLWH. However, there was no significant difference in the cure rate compared to the control group (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.90-1.79, p = 0.18). Subgroup analysis showed that complication rates increased again in orthopedic (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.34-2.05, p < 0.00001) and general surgery (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.08-2.74, p = 0.02). However, the type of procedure, publication quality, study type, and patient origin were not sources of complication rate heterogeneity. Meta-regression showed that CD4 count had no effect on complication rate, but the anti-retroviral therapy rate had 34.89% explanatory power. There is an increased risk of postoperative death, reoperation, complications, and prolonged hospital stay and surgical duration in PLWH. However, conducting extensive prospective studies across multiple centers is crucial to validate these findings.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Patients: A Systematic Review of Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become a common intervention for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients who have osteonecrosis of the femoral head. This paper provides a systematic review to assess survivorships, patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), infection rates, other complications, and immune competence for patients who had THAs who did and did not have HIV.

METHODS

A comprehensive and systematic review of published studies investigating the outcomes of THA in HIV-positive patients (osteonecrosis and non-osteonecrosis patients) was performed adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A total of 10 studies with 9,534 HIV-positive patients fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Manuscript quality was assessed on 2 scales: the Coleman Methodology Score and the level of evidence derived from Center for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria. Data were extracted from studies in the 5 key areas of interest: survivorships, PROMs, infection rates, complications, and clusters of differentiation-4 (CD4+) counts and viral loads.

RESULTS

Implant survivorship was between 95% and 100%. Postoperative Harris Hip Scores were significantly improved from preoperative values in HIV-positive patients. Postoperative PROMs and infections did not appear to be different between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. Many of the cohort studies demonstrate comparable complication rates to matched controls. Where described (7 reports), mean CD4+ counts ranged from 425 to 646 cells/mm3, with low viral loads (3 reports) and variations not found to influence outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

THA is an effective treatment for HIV-positive patients, many of whom suffer from osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The results demonstrate excellent implant survivorship, improved quality of life, and a low risk of infections and complications.

Midterm Results of Total Hip Arthroplasty for Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients in South Korea

Background

Studies have reported that osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is more prevalent in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is considered reasonable management of ONFH. However, only scarce data exist on the outcomes of THA for HIV-infected patients in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm results of HIV-positive patients who underwent THA for ONFH.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of HIV-infected patients with ONFH who underwent THA in our institution from 2005 to 2021. Twenty-two hips in 15 patients underwent THAs with cementless implants. The clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed at each follow-up, and any complication was recorded.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 5.2 years (range, 1.0-16.0 years). The mean age of the HIV infected patients with osteonecrosis at the time of surgery was 44.7 ± 11.6 years. ONFH occurred 9.8 ± 3.7 years after the initial diagnosis of HIV infection. The average modified Harris hip score improved from 58.3 ± 14.8 to 95.2 ± 11.3 at the latest follow-up. Surgical complications such as infection, nerve injury, or dislocation were not present. The radiographic evidence of stable fixation by bone ingrowth without migration was seen in all implants.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that THA is a safe and valid option of treatment for ONFH in well-controlled HIV-infected patients in Korea. Further large-scale nationwide studies are warranted.

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.

Complications of primary total hip arthroplasty in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients with femoral head osteonecrosis

BACKGROUND

Femoral head osteonecrosis (FHON) is a well-recognised complication in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a reliable solution to FHON and has provided functional improvement and pain relief in these patients. Higher complication rates, in particular infections, have been reported in the series of THAs done in the HIV-positive patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complication rate of THA for FHON in HIV-positive patients managed with the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) protocols.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of HIV-positive patients with FHON who underwent THAs over a 10-year period at a single institution.

RESULTS

A total of 56 THAs (44 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at the time of THAs was 47 (range 34-60) years. Of the 44 patients, 39 (88.6%) were males. The mean follow-up was 6.6 (range 2.0-11.3) years. The overall complication rate was 12.5%, with 2 (3.6%) cases of deep periprosthetic infections.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-positive patients with FHON undergoing THAs do have a considerable complication rate (12.5%). The deep periprosthetic infection rate (3.6%) in these patients, however, has decreased with contemporary disease modification protocols.

Incidence of complications and revision surgery in HAART compliant HIV patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty: an institutional review

INTRODUCTION

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients are at high risk for osteonecrosis along with age-related osteoarthritis, resulting in a high number of joint reconstruction surgeries at younger ages in these immunosuppressed patients. Few previous studies have reported on patient outcomes in HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) compliant patients undergoing primary arthroplasty. The aim of this study is to report one institution's overall rate of complications and revision in HAART-compliant patients after primary hip and knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed spanning a 4 year period. This study included 50 primary joint arthroplasty patients diagnosed with HIV including 13 TKA (total knee arthroplasty) and 37 THA (total hip arthroplasty) with a prior diagnosis of HIV infection. Preoperative CD4 count and viral loads were recorded. Charts were reviewed for post-operative complications including infection and revision.

RESULTS

The were a total of 11 postoperative complications (22%). There were 3 cases (6%) of soft tissue infection, 3 cases (6%) of implant loosening, 2 cases (4%) of dislocation, 1 case (2%) of lower extremity weakness, 1 case (2%) of venous thrombosis, and 1 case (2%) of arthrofibrosis. Of all patients, there were 6 cases of revision in this cohort (12%), 5 of which were aseptic etiology. All 3 infected patients had a history of IVDU. Two of these infected patients resolved with IV antibiotics while 1 underwent two-stage revision (2%). Patients that experienced post-operative complications had significantly elevated preoperative CD4 levels (983 versus 598, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Arthroplasty is a viable option for HAART-compliant patients. Most previous studies showing a higher risk for deep tissue infection and revision in HIV patients have not accounted for modern HAART. Our results show that compliance with HAART has vastly improved the outcomes of arthroplasty in these patients, while a history of IVDU is likely the largest risk factor for infection in this population.

Outcomes of revision arthroplasty for hip joint infection in matched groups of HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients

BACKGROUND

Several studies reported on periprosthetic infection after primary THA in HIV-positive patients, but very few showed the results of its revision.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to compare primary and secondary clinical outcomes after revision arthroplasty for hip joint infection in matched groups of HIV-infected and HIV-negative patients.

METHODS

Using the hospital database, thirteen HIV-positive patients (13 infected hips) and thirteen HIV-negative patients of the matched control group (13 infected hips) were identified and their records were studied retrospectively. They underwent revision surgery aimed at infection arrest and total hip replacement due to infection developed after primary THA or infected spacers. Harris Hip Score, reinfection rate, limb shortening, and definite outcomes were evaluated with Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, and Chi-squared tests.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Spacers with antibiotics were implanted in patients of both groups at the first step of revision, except one HIV-infected patient who had resection arthroplasty. The mean follow-up was 29.4±2.7 and 33.±2.9 months for the HIV-group and control group, respectively. Three patients of the HIV-group completed two-stage revision arthroplasty versus ten patients from the control group. Re-infection rate was higher in the HIV-group. At final follow-ups, the mean HHS was significantly different (53±3.2 points in the HIV-group versus 79.14±3.1 points in the control group) along with limb length discrepancy (3.71±0.43 versus 1.4±0.32).

CONCLUSION

Both primary and secondary clinical outcomes of revision arthroplasty for hip joint infection in HIV-positive patients were significantly worse than in the matched group of HIV-negative patients. Revisions in HIV-positive group resulted in a higher reinfection rate, a small number of definite two-stage revisions, and lower functional scores.

The Effect of Modern Antiretroviral Therapy on Complication Rates After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background:

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains the cornerstone of decreasing morbidity and mortality in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but additional information on its impact on total hip arthroplasty (THA) complication rates is needed to mitigate risks postoperatively. Therefore, we sought to examine patients with HIV who were and were not taking ART compared with a cohort without HIV in the setting of primary THA with respect to the following outcomes: length of stay, readmissions, and postoperative infection.

Methods:

A retrospective database review was performed with PearlDiver for patients who underwent THA from 2010 to 2019 (n = 729,101). Patients with HIV who were and were not taking ART were then identified and were matched with patients without HIV at a 1:1:1 ratio based on age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, diabetes, obesity, and tobacco use, resulting in 601 patients in each cohort. Length of stay, 30-day readmissions, and complications at 90 days and 1 year were analyzed. Continuous outcomes were measured via Student t tests, and categorical outcomes were measured via chi-square analyses.

Results:

Patients with HIV who were and were not taking ART were found to have similar lengths of stay compared with patients without HIV (range, 4.1 to 4.3 days). Readmission rates were slightly higher in patients with HIV who were taking ART at 4.2% (odds ratio [OR], 1.96 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.99 to 3.87]) and patients with HIV who were not taking ART at 3.5% (OR, 1.63 [95% CI, 0.81 to 3.30]) compared with patients without HIV at 2.1%. Periprosthetic joint infection rates at 1 year were slightly higher among patients with HIV who were not taking ART at 5.3% (OR, 1.41 [95% CI, 0.82 to 2.45]) compared with patients with HIV who were taking ART at 4.2% (OR, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.61 to 1.94]) and patients without HIV at 3.8%.

Conclusions:

Patients with HIV who are and are not taking ART are approaching normalization to the general population in the setting of THA. It is important to note that, although complications may have been mitigated by modern therapy, extreme care should be taken while clinically evaluating these patients prior to the surgical procedure given the complexity of their clinical status. The findings of this study underscore the utility of ART and patient optimization to reduce risk in this patient population.

Level of Evidence:

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

Metabolic factors and post-traumatic arthritis may influence the increased rate of surgical site infection in patients with human immunodeficiency virus following total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The impact of CD4+ T-cell count and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) undergoing total hip arthroplasty is still unclear. The goals of this study were to assess the rate of perioperative infection at a large tertiary care referral center and to identify risk factors in HIV+ patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

This study was a prospective, observational study at a single medical center from 2000-2017. Patients who were HIV+ and underwent THA were followed from the preoperative assessment period, through surgery and for a 2-year follow-up period.

RESULTS

Sixteen of 144 HIV+ patients (11%) undergoing THA developed perioperative surgical site infections. Fourteen patients (10%) required revision THA within a range of 12 to 97 days after the initial surgery. The patients' mean age was 49.6 ± 4.5 years, and the most common diagnosis prompting THA was osteonecrosis (96%). Patients who developed SSI had a lower waist-hip ratio (0.86 vs. 0.93, p = 0.047), lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol (45.8 vs. 52.5, p = 0.015) and were more likely to have post-traumatic arthritis (12.5% vs. 0%, p = 0.008). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that current alcohol use and higher waist-hip ratio were significant protectors against infection (p < 0.05). No other demographic, medical, immunologic parameters, or specific HAART regimens were associated with perioperative infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunologic status as measured by CD4+ cell count, HIV viral load, and medical therapy do not appear to influence the development of SSI in HIV+ patients undergoing THA. Metabolic factors and post-traumatic arthritis may influence the increased rate of infection in HIV+ patients following THA.

Human immunodeficiency virus in total hip arthroplasty

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a pandemic affecting more than 35 million people worldwide. The aim of this review is to describe the association between HIV and total hip arthroplasty (THA) and assess patient risk factors to optimize functional outcomes and decrease rates of revision.

Since the advent of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART), HIV-infected patients are living longer, which allows them to develop degenerative joint conditions. HIV and HAART act independently to increase the demand for THA. HIV-positive patients are also more predisposed to developing avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip and femoral neck fractures due to decreased bone mineral density (BMD).

Prior to the widespread implementation of access to HAART in homogenous cohorts of HIV-infected patients undergoing THA, reports indicated increased rates of complications. However, current literature describes equivocal functional outcomes and survival rates after THA in HIV-positive patients controlled on HAART when compared to HIV-negative controls.

HIV-infected patients eligible for THA should be assessed for medical co-morbidities and serum markers of disease control should be optimized.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a leading cause of revision THA, and HIV is a modifiable risk factor. Importantly, the significance is negated once patients are placed on HAART and achieve viral suppression.

THA should not be withheld in HIV-infected patients injudiciously. However, HIV is a burgeoning epidemic and all patients should be identified and started on HAART to avoid preventable peri-operative complications.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:164-171. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190030

Outcome of total hip and knee arthroplasty in HIV-infected patients: A systematic review

Significant advances in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have occurred in recent times, with life expectancy now approaching the normal population. Therefore, patients with HIV will increasingly be undergoing joint replacement in the future, however concerns remain regarding the complications and outcome in this patient cohort. The aim was to assess the outcome of total hip and knee arthroplasty in HIV-infected patients. A systematic search of the literature using MOOSE reporting guidelines was performed to assess the outcome of hip and knee arthroplasty in HIV-infected patients. The primary outcome was infection. Secondary outcome was all-cause revision. The search yielded 552 results, of which 19 met the inclusion criteria, comprising 5.819.412 joint replacements. The overall quality of the studies was poor with significant heterogeneity between the studies. Infection and revision appeared to be more likely to occur in HIV positive patients compared to HIV negative patients. A subgroup analysis of four studies revealed a risk ratio of 3.31 and 2.25 for increase in infection and revision respectively in HIV positive patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates an increased risk of infection and revision in HIV infected patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty. However, these findings are based on poor quality evidence in a limited number of studies and need to be interpreted with caution. Further research should concentrate on large, well-designed, prospective studies, that control for co-morbidities and employ standardised outcome measures to allow for direct comparison.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Patients: A Concise Follow-Up at 10 to 14 Years

BACKGROUND

Advancements in the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) now permit HIV-positive patients to have longer life spans, increasing their cumulative risk of developing an advanced degenerative joint disease, necessitating total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study was to provide an extended follow-up on a previously published study on a cohort of HIV-positive THA recipients in an effort to confirm the safety and longevity of THA in this population.

METHODS

This study is a follow-up on a previous study comprised of 41 hips in 31 HIV-positive THA recipients. At this follow-up, 5 patients from the original cohort required contralateral THA. Postoperative complications were recorded up to the patient's last follow-up date. A survivorship analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method with revision THA as the end point.

RESULTS

Since the last report, 2 additional hips were revised (one for aseptic loosening and one for a periprosthetic fracture), and 5 patients underwent contralateral THA. This resulted in a total of 5 (13.8%) hips requiring revision THA at the latest follow-up. The mean follow-up interval for the original cohort and for the contralateral 5 hips was 78.9 ± 50.2 months and 54.6 ± 45.3 months, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis with revision THA for any reason as the end point demonstrated survivorship of 93% (2 years), 90% (5 years), and 81% (10 and 14 years) after primary THA, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that it is possible to achieve a low incidence of postoperative infection in HIV-positive THA recipients. In addition, our study demonstrates that non-hemophiliac HIV-positive patients have comparable revision rates to previously published reports on HIV-negative patients of similar age, underscoring the clinical efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

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.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Modern management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has afforded patients longevity while increasing the burden of arthroplasty procedures because of the increased risk of osteonecrosis, fragility fractures, and degenerative joint disease. Early publications on hip and knee arthroplasty in HIV-positive patients reported a high risk of complications, although some more recent publications demonstrated acceptable outcomes. Despite the widespread nature of the HIV pandemic, there is a paucity of literature addressing outcomes following joint arthroplasty in infected patients. We pooled available studies to obtain the best evidence regarding the safety of total hip and knee arthroplasty procedures in HIV-positive patients. The studies identified were heterogeneous, precluding a meta-analysis. However, we performed a review of the literature focusing on complications and outcomes.

METHODS

Twenty-one published English-language articles involving 6,516,186 joints were identified by a systematic review as suitable for inclusion in the study. The articles were analyzed for complication and prosthesis survivorship rates and relative risks.

RESULTS

An overall complication rate of 3.3% was found across the 19 articles that provided such data. HIV-positive patients had a significantly elevated risk of periprosthetic joint infection, at 7.6%, compared with HIV-negative patients, at 3.3% (relative risk = 2.28, 95% confidence interval = 2.14 to 2.43). Eleven articles were suitable for analysis of prosthesis survivorship, and survivorship rates did not differ significantly between HIV-positive and negative patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Total hip and total knee arthroplasty appear to be safe procedures with acceptable outcomes in HIV-positive patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

An evidence-based guide to the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a potentially devastating condition, the prevalence of which is increasing. Many joint-preserving forms of treatment, both medical and surgical, have been developed in an attempt to slow or reverse its progression, as it usually affects young patients. However, it is important to evaluate the best evidence that is available for the many forms of treatment considering the variation in the demographics of the patients, the methodology and the outcomes in the studies that have been published, so that it can be used effectively. The purpose of this review, therefore, was to provide an up-to-date, evidence-based guide to the management, both non-operative and operative, of non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1267-79.

Mid-term Results of Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

With antiretroviral therapy, patients who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive are increasingly becoming candidates for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Prior reports focus on perioperative complications, but longer-term outcomes remain unclear. The authors specifically analyzed clinical outcomes, perioperative complications, and survivorship free of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of THAs and TKAs in HIV-positive patients who had extended follow-up. A total of 21 HIV-positive patients who underwent 29 primary arthroplasties (14 THAs, 15 TKAs) from 1992 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Mean age was 43 years and mean follow-up was 8 years. Mean perioperative CD4 cell count was 450 cells/mL; only 2 patients had perioperative CD4 cell counts less than 200 cells/mL. At mid-term follow-up, THAs and TKAs were reliable in improving function (mean postoperative Harris Hip Score: 87, P<.01; mean postoperative Knee Society Score: 83, P<.01). The rate of perioperative complications was high (17%). Patients with both hemophilia and HIV were at particular risk for complications at 33% (P=.04). Survivorship free of deep PJI was 100% in THAs at 10 years and 93% in TKAs at 10 years. Only 1 (7%) patient (1 TKA), who had a perioperative CD4 cell count of less than 200 cells/mL, was revised for deep PJI. In HIV-positive patients, both THAs and TKAs are reliable in alleviating pain and improving clinical function at mid-term follow-up. However, HIV-positive patients are at substantial risk of perioperative complications, especially with comorbid hemophilia. With antiretroviral therapy and maintained CD4 cell counts above 200 cells/mL, survivorship free of deep PJI approaches 100%. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(4):e699-e702.].

No Decrease in Knee Survivorship or Outcomes Scores for Patients With HIV Infection Who Undergo TKA

BACKGROUND

HIV is prevalent worldwide and numerous patients with this diagnosis ultimately may become candidates for TKA. Although some studies have suggested that complications are more common in patients with HIV who undergo TKA, these studies largely were done before the contemporary era of HIV management; moreover, it is unclear whether patients with HIV achieve lower patient-reported outcome scores or inferior implant survivorship.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We asked whether there were any differences in the outcomes of patients with HIV without hemophilia who undergo TKA compared with a matched control cohort in terms of: (1) patient-reported outcomes; (2) implant survivorship; and (3) complication rates.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with HIV who had undergone 50 TKAs at three institutions with a minimum followup of 4 years between 2005 and 2011 were identified. An additional three patients were lost to followup before the fourth-year annual visit. All patients with HIV underwent thorough preoperative optimization with their primary care physician and infectious disease specialist. There were 31 men and 14 women with a mean age of 57 years and mean followup of 6 years (range, 4-10 years). These patients were compared with a matched cohort of 135 patients (one-to-three ratio) who did not have HIV and who had undergone a primary TKA by the same surgeons during this same period using the same implant. Matching criteria included patient age (within 2 years), BMI (within 2 kg/m²), surgeon performing TKA, followup (within 6 months), minimum followup of 4 years, sex ratio, and primary diagnosis (degenerative joint disease versus osteonecrosis). Approximately 10% of patients in the matching group had not returned for followup after their sixth annual visit. Outcomes evaluated included The Knee Society objective and function scores, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scores, overall implant survivorship (free of revision) using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and complications. With the numbers available, there were no differences in preoperative Knee Society score or UCLA activity scores among the cohorts.

RESULTS

With the numbers available, there were no differences in the mean Knee Society objective scores between patients with HIV (89 ± 11 points) and the matching cohort (91 ± 14 points) (95% CI, -7 to 3; p = 0.38). There were no differences among the Knee Society functional component as well (88 ± 12 points versus 90 ± 13 points; 95% CI, -6 to 2; p = 0.36) at latest followup. Similarly, there were no differences with the numbers available in the UCLA activity scores (6 ± 5 points [range, 4-7] versus 6 ± 7 points [range, 4-8]; p = 0.87) between the cohorts. With the numbers available, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in the overall implant survivorships between patients with HIV (98%; 95% CI, 94%-99%) compared with the matching group (99%; 95% CI, 98%-100%; p = 0.89). Postoperative complications were also comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

With the numbers available, we found that patients with HIV had no differences in clinical scores and implant survivorship compared with patients without the disease at mid-term followup. We believe practitioners should not be reluctant to perform TKA on this patient population. However, we believe the preoperative optimization process is crucial to achieving good outcomes and minimizing the risk of complications. Future comparative studies should have longer followup and a larger sample size with greater power to determine if there are differences in complications and implant survivorship.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Total hip arthroplasty survival in femoral head avascular necrosis versus primary hip osteoarthritis: Case-control study with a mean 10-year follow-up after anatomical cementless metal-on-metal 28-mm replacement

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty is the most widely used procedure to treat avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. Few studies have compared the outcomes of THA in femoral head AVN and primary hip osteoarthritis. Therefore we performed a case-control study to compare THA for femoral head AVN vs. primary hip osteoarthritis in terms of: (1) prosthesis survival, (2) complication rates, (3) functional outcomes and radiographic outcomes, (4) and to determine whether specific risk factors for THA failure exist in femoral head AVN.

HYPOTHESIS

THA survival is similar in femoral head AVN and primary hip osteoarthritis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We compared two prospective cohorts of patients who underwent THA before 65 years of age, one composed of cases with femoral head AVN and the other of controls with primary hip osteoarthritis. In both cohorts, a cementless metal-on-metal prosthesis with a 28-mm cup and an anatomical stem was used. Exclusion criteria were THA with other types of prosthesis, posttraumatic AVN, and secondary osteoarthritis. With α set at 5%, to obtain 80% power, 246 patients were required in all. Prosthesis survival was assessed based on time to major revision (defined as replacement of at least one implant fixed to bone) and time to aseptic loosening. The other evaluation criteria were complications, Postel-Merle d'Aubigné (PMA) score, and the Engh and Agora Radiographic Assessment (ARA) scores for implant osseointegration.

RESULTS

The study included 282 patients, 149 with AVN and 133 with osteoarthritis. Mean age was 47.8±10.2 years (range, 18.5-65) and mean follow-up was 11.4±2.8 years (range, 4.5-18.3 years). The 10-year survival rates were similar in the two groups: for major revision, AVN group, 92.5% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 90.2-94.8) and osteoarthritis group, 95.3% (95% CI, 92.9-97.7); for aseptic loosening, AVN group, 98.6% (95% CI, 97.6-98.6) and osteoarthritis, 99.2% (95% CI, 98.4-100). The AVN group had higher numbers of revision for any reason (19 vs. 6, P=0.018) and for dislocation (8 vs. 1, P=0.031). Mean PMA scores at last follow-up were comparable in the AVN group (17.65±1.27 [range, 10-18]) and osteoarthritis group (17.59±1.32 [range, 14-18]) (P=0.139). Osseointegration was also similar in the two groups: global Engh score, 26.51±1.81 (range, 14-27) for AVN and 26.84±0.91 (range, 19.5-27) for osteoarthritis (P=0.065); femoral ARA score, 5.83±0.46 (range, 3-6) for AVN and 5.90±0.42 (range, 3-6) for osteoarthritis (P=0.064); and cup ARA score, 5.74±0.67 (range, 3-6) for AVN and 5.78±0.66 (range, 3-6) for osteoarthritis (P=0.344).

DISCUSSION

Survival in this study was good and consistent with recent data on AVN, with no difference between AVN and osteoarthritis. Revisions for any cause or for dislocation were more common after THA for AVN. Functional outcomes were similar in the AVN and osteoarthritis groups. An anatomical cementless prosthesis combined with metal-on-metal 28-mm bearing provides durable good outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, non-randomized comparison of two prospective cohorts.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Total Joint Arthroplasty: The Risk for Infection Is Reduced

BACKGROUND

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has changed the face of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and allowed patients to live for many decades. HIV and HAART are known risk factors for osteonecrosis of bone, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Therefore, the demand for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in HIV-infected patients is on the rise. We attempted to determine whether modern treatments for HIV have impacted the rate of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

METHODS

Conducting a systematic review, 25 studies with a total of 722 TJAs were identified. We extracted data on rates of PJI after primary TJA in HIV-infected patients with and without hemophilia and data on administration of HAART at the time of arthroplasty.

RESULTS

Three hundred eighty-one TJAs were performed in 293 patients with HIV infection without hemophilia. The follow-up ranged between 1.5 months and 11 years. Nine patients developed PJI. In patients with both HIV and hemophilia, 341 primary TJAs were performed. Forty-five received treatment for PJI. Follow-up ranged between 1 year and 26 years. Rates of PJI were 2.28% and 10.98% for HIV-only patients and patients with HIV and hemophilia, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P < .0001) with a 5.28 odds ratio for hemophilia. HAART was associated with fewer infections overall (odds ratio, 0.12).

CONCLUSION

The rates of PJI after TJA in HIV-only patients are lower than those in patients with both HIV and hemophilia. Treatment of patients with HAART and optimization of underlying comorbidities appears to lower the rate of PJI in this patient population.

HIV and Orthopaedics: Musculoskeletal Manifestations and Outcomes

➤Advances in combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) in recent years have transformed HIV infection into a chronic disease when treatment is available, increasing a patient's life expectancy and the chances that orthopaedic surgeons will encounter such patients in their clinical practice.➤Musculoskeletal manifestations in patients with HIV infection are common and sometimes are the initial presentation of the disease. Knowledge about neoplasms and associated conditions affecting muscle, bones, and joints is essential for successful management.➤Since the advent of cART, total joint arthroplasty has been shown to be a safe procedure; however, perioperative infection is still a small risk in patients with uncontrolled viral loads or CD4 counts of <400 cells/mm(3).➤With regard to trauma surgery, the rates of early and late infection around implants, as well as union rates, are comparable with those in the HIV-negative population; however, there is an increased risk of pulmonary, renal, and infectious or septic complications in the polytrauma setting.➤Factors such as CD4 count, nutritional status, cART therapy, viral load count, and other comorbidities (hemophilia, infection among intravenous drug users, etc.) should be considered when treating these patients in order to optimize their clinical outcomes.

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 Short-Term Adverse Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we assess the: (1) demographic trends; (2) complications; and (3) length of hospital stay among total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The study population consisted of 2772 patients with HIV and 5,672,314 controls. Patients with HIV were more likely to be younger, male, and nonwhite. Patients with HIV were at an increased risk for perioperative wound infections (OR=2.78; P=0.024), although they were not at an increased risk for overall complications (OR=1.21; P=0.321). Mean length of stay was 17% longer for patients with HIV (P<0.001). Given these findings, orthopedic surgeons should have a low threshold to work up a patient with HIV for a wound infection following TKA.

Outcomes of total hip arthroplasty in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head-a current review

The purpose of this review was to analyze (1) patient-reported outcomes and implant survivorship of osteonecrosis (ON) patients following total hip arthroplasty (THA), (2) if prior hip-preserving procedures influence these outcomes, (3) if resurfacing procedures alter outcomes; and (4) how these outcomes may have been impacted by the choice of different bearing surfaces. Today, with implant innovations such as cementless constructs, ceramic bearing surfaces, and highly cross-linked polyethylene, ON patients derive great benefit and have high survivorship following THA. Most studies have shown that previous hip-preserving procedures do not have a deleterious effect on outcomes. Literature on the use of ceramic and highly cross-linked polyethylene bearing surfaces have shown that these implant designs are useful in younger and more active patients. Future research should evaluate the long-term outcomes and survivorship of these new THA constructs.

Genetic susceptibility to prosthetic joint infection following total joint arthroplasty: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most common cause of total joint arthroplasty failure and revision surgery. Genetic polymorphisms could be determinant factors for PJI.

METHODS

We performed a systematic research of Medline, Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, and identified 11 studies with 34 kinds of gene polymorphisms, were included in the synthesis.

RESULTS

Our data suggest that the C allele and genotype C/C for MBL-550 SNP, genotype A/A for MBL-54 SNP and G allele for MBL-221 SNP increase the risk of PJI, while G allele and genotype G/G for MBL-550 SNP decrease the risk of PJI in Caucasian populations. Several other genes reported by single-center studies also contribute to the genetic susceptibility to septic PJI. No definitive conclusions could be achieved due to the small amount of data in the included studies.

CONCLUSION

Several genes contribute to the genetic susceptibility to PJI following total joint arthroplasty. Further studies will enhance the understanding of PJI, and may inform and direct early interventions.

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.

Clinical characteristics of early-stage osteonecrosis of the ankle and treatment outcomes

BACKGROUND

The purposes of this study were to describe the clinical manifestations of osteonecrosis involving the distal tibia and talus, to identify risk factors associated with the disease, and to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous drilling for the treatment of ankles with early-stage symptomatic osteonecrosis.

METHODS

One hundred and one ankles in seventy-three patients with symptomatic osteonecrosis of the talus and/or distal tibia treated with percutaneous drilling were identified. There were eighty-one ankles in fifty-nine patients treated only at our institution and twenty ankles in fourteen patients with a failed prior core decompression at outside institutions. The parameters evaluated included demographics, disease characteristics, clinical outcomes including the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score, Short-Form-36 scores, University of California Los Angeles activity scores, and visual analog scale pain scores, and radiographic outcomes at a mean follow-up duration of five years (range, two to nine years).

RESULTS

Eighty-five ankles had isolated talus osteonecrosis, eleven ankles had involvement of the distal tibia and talus, and five ankles had isolated distal tibial disease. Twenty-nine patients (40%) had initially presented with symptomatic osteonecrosis of another joint, most commonly the knee (37%), the hip (29%), and the shoulder (25%). The most common identifiable risk factors included chronic corticosteroid use (49.3%), alcohol abuse (35.6%), tobacco use (29%), and hypertension (20.5%). Overall, 83% of ankles did not demonstrate further disease progression after the procedure. There were significant improvements (p < 0.05) in clinical and patient-reported outcomes after surgical treatment. The presence of human immunodeficiency virus and sickle cell disease was associated with a higher odds ratio of disease progression to joint collapse.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteonecrosis of the distal tibia and talus was usually part of multifocal disease, and concurrent knee osteonecrosis was more common than hip osteonecrosis. The results of the present study suggest that early-stage ankle osteonecrosis can be treated successfully with percutaneous drilling.