Abstract

MUKANSI, SS  and  RAMASUVHA, BE. The challenges facing the orthopaedic surgeon today in managing femoral neck fractures in HIV-positive patients. SA orthop. j. [online]. 2013, vol.12, n.3, pp.49-53. ISSN 2309-8309.

The use of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) in treating HIV-positive patients has led to a reversal of complications such as HIV-related mortality and morbidity. The lifespan of HIV-positive patients on HAART especially if started early (CD4 ± 350 cells per microlitre) as is done in developed countries, is as good as is in non-reactive cohorts. However age-related complications such as decreased bone mineral density (BMD) are emerging early, resulting in fragility fractures. We present a case of bilateral neck femur fractures in a 53-year-old female patient on HAART.

Keywords : HAART; BMD; internal fixation; fatigue fractures.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )