Abstract

LUKHELE, M. Infection following open reduction and internal fixation of an unstable thoracolumbar fracture of the spine the need to know the HIV status of patients: a case report. SA orthop. j. [online]. 2011, vol.10, n.2, pp.26-29. ISSN 2309-8309.

The prevalence of HIV-positive patient is high in the sub-Saharan region. This is a report of two unknown asymptomatic HIV carriers presenting with major thoracolumbar fractures for emergency management. The patients' results were complicated by delayed infection. The cases demonstrate the need to know the HIV status in a major orthopaedic trauma setting to enable additional treatment to be implemented that may improve the treatment outcome.

Keywords : infection; spine trauma; asymptomatic HIV carrier.

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