Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in the Surgical Setting

The emergence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has highlighted the need for orthopaedic surgeons to understand the epidemiology of percutaneous injuries and other blood exposures in the surgical setting. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have worked to increase understanding and prevent transmission of blood-borne viral diseases in orthopaedic surgery. This article addresses the risk of HIV transmission in the surgical setting, with a focus on surveillance efforts to monitor the extent of occupational HIV infection, specific risk factors, and postexposure management. Health-care worker-to-patient transmission and patient-to-patient transmission are also addressed.