The results of 21 total joint arthroplasties (13 knees, 8 hips) in 15 patients were reviewed. There were 13 men and 2 women with an average age of 38 years (range, 28 to 69 years). The mean follow-up period was 10.2 years (range, 2 to 23 years). Six patients died within an average of 10.6 years (range, 3 to 18 years) of joint arthroplasty. All patients died of AIDS. Deep infection developed in 6 joints. Knee Society scores improved significantly, but 13 repeat surgeries were required. An alarmingly high rate of complications was found after total knee and total hip arthroplasty in these patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Physicians and surgeons should be made aware of this high rate of complications after joint arthroplasty in patients with HIV and include a frank discussion of this information with their patients who are contemplating total joint arthroplasty.
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