Osteonecrosis in HIV-infected persons: radiographic findings delay clinical diagnosis

Patients with HIV infection demonstrate an unexpectedly high incidence of bone-related disorders, most notably osteonecrosis. We describe 4 HIV-infected patients with osteonecrosis for whom reliance on plain radiographs for establishing the diagnosis was misleading and resulted in a delay in diagnosis. NOne o four patients had significant previously reported risk factors that are associated with osteonecrosis in HIV-infected patients. Osteonecrosis appears to be yet another complication of HIV disease or tis related therapies that has potential for significant morbidity. This disease typically requires surgical intervention for optimal management. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for osteonecrosis in this patient population in cases of unexplained bone pain or persistent groin pain. Given the high incidence of osteonecrosis in patients with HIV infection, unexplained osteonecrosis should prompt HIV screening, particularly in the absence of identifiable risk factors.