Preliminary analysis: HIV serosurvey of orthopedic surgeons, 1991

Article Abstract:

Transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the causal agent in AIDS, from infected patient to health-care workers is well documented. However, the extent of HIV seroprevalence (presence of antibodies to HIV in the blood, indicating HIV infection) among this occupational group is unknown. To further characterize the extent of HIV seropositivity in a population of physicians, all orthopedic surgeons registered at the 1991 meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons were invited to participate in a survey. Those who accepted the invitation were given pretest counseling, completed an epidemiologic questionnaire. Coded blood samples were taken; names were not associated with either the questionnaires or samples, but the code allowed one to be matched with the other. Blood specimens were screened for HIV antibodies by an enzyme immunoassay; specimens that repeatedly tested positive were analyzed by the more accurate Western blot procedure within 48 hours. Of 7,121 orthopedists attending the conference, 3420 (48 percent) participated in the study. The percentage of respondents who were male, in the 30 to 54 age group, and reported occupational exposure to HIV-positive patients and their body fluids was somewhat greater than the national average for orthopedic surgeons. Of the more than three thousand participants, 2 (.06 percent) were seropositive for HIV. Both of these male orthopedic surgeons had reported nonoccupational risk factors for HIV. Hence, among the 108 surgeons reporting such risk factors, there was a 1.9 percent rate of infection. Both individuals had also reported performing surgery on patients with risk factors for HIV infection. Although these results may not be generalizable to all orthopedic surgeons, they do not provide evidence for a high rate of previously undetected HIV infection among this group of physicians. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Surveys, HIV infection, HIV infections, Work environment, AIDS (Disease), Surgeons, HIV seropositivity, HIV positive, AIDS (Disease) in the workplace, Orthopedists

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Orthopedic surgery

Article Abstract:

Research in orthopedics has discovered that proteins related to transforming growth factor can repair bone damage. One of these proteins is called bone morphogenetic protein 2, which has been found to be just as effective in repairing bone damage as bone grafts. Surgeons have discovered that bone defects that have been treated with natural and synthetic grafts often undergo regeneration of bone tissue that restores the bone surface. This natural regeneration does not seem to occur in joints that have been damaged by osteoarthritis. Advances in the treatment of fractures include circular wire external fixators that can be attached to bones to stabilize them. Several porous ceramic materials can be used in place of bone grafts but their use may be limited to certain types of fractures. Thirty years of experience with hip replacement surgery has proven its effectiveness but there is still a risk that the artificial joint will loosen over the years.

Evaluation, Surgery, Fractures (Injuries), Fractures, Artificial hip joints, Hip prostheses, Orthopedic surgery, Bone regeneration

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Musculoskeletal Disorders and Orthopedic Conditions

Article Abstract:

Data from the Human Genome Project will lead to gene therapies for many musculoskeletal diseases. New implant materials will be created, including implants made from stem cells and tissues grown and developed in a laboratory.

Bone diseases, Muscle diseases, Muscular diseases

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