AIDS and arthroscopic surgery

Abstract

There are an estimated 8 to 10 million people worldwide infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The true extent of infection in the population is unknown, and many are unaware of their HIV status. Arthroscopic and arthroscopically assisted surgery is less invasive and bloody than other orthopaedic procedures, and seemingly less hazardous to surgeons. Nevertheless, the potential for exposure exists. Arthroscopic surgeons routinely experience gown, face-mask and shoe-cover saturation from the splashing of blood-tainted irrigation fluid. Glove perforations by needles, sharps, and bone fragments can occur. Bone and tissue allografts pose risks to both surgeon and patient, as HIV has been recovered from fresh, frozen and freeze-dried specimens. The process of cleaning and disinfecting arthroscopes adequately can damage these expensive devices. This article addresses the safeguards that arthroscopic surgeons should take to prevent exposure to HIV. Effective sterilizing and disinfecting techniques for arthroscopes are also discussed. © 1992.