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.