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Hepatitis C virus infection: review and implications for the orthopedic surgeon
1Maine Joint Replacement Institute, Orthopaedic Associates of Portland, USA.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects 1-2% of the US population, with higher rates in orthopedic surgery patients. Orthopedic surgeons must understand HCV for patient safety and surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant global health concern, identified in 1989.
- An estimated 1%-2% of the United States population is infected with HCV.
- The incidence of HCV infection can be as high as 5% in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inform orthopedic surgeons about Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
- To highlight the risks of blood-borne diseases for surgical teams.
- To provide guidance on managing HCV-positive patients in the context of orthopedic surgery.
Main Methods:
- Review of the natural history of HCV infection.
- Analysis of HCV transmission routes, particularly in surgical settings.
- Evaluation of current diagnostic and treatment strategies for HCV.
Main Results:
- Orthopedic surgeons may be the first to diagnose HCV in patients donating autologous blood.
- Awareness of HCV is crucial for operating room team safety.
- Understanding HCV allows for informed surgical planning and patient counseling.
Conclusions:
- Orthopedic surgeons play a key role in identifying and managing Hepatitis C virus (HCV).
- Knowledge of HCV natural history, transmission, and treatment is essential for safe surgical practice.
- Proactive management of HCV-positive patients optimizes surgical outcomes and team safety.
Abstract:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a single-stranded ribonucleic acid virus identified in 1989, is estimated to have infected 1%-2% of the United States population. The incidence of HCV in patients requiring orthopedic surgery may be as high as 5%. Surgeons and operating room personnel are at risk for blood-borne diseases transmitted during surgery. The orthopedic surgeon must be aware of viral infection with this pathogen for the safety of the entire operating room team. Further, screening for HCV is routinely done when a patient donates autologous blood prior to elective surgery, and the orthopedic surgeon is often the first or only physician informed of a positive result. The surgeon should know how to interpret the result, advise the patient, and incorporate the diagnosis of HCV into the plan for the proposed surgery. We will review the natural history, transmission, evaluation of, and current treatment for infection with this blood-borne virus.