[Osteonecrosis as late complication in HIV-infected patients].

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head was diagnosed in a 22-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man, both with HIV infection . Both had groin pain and impaired mobility. Conservative treatment did not relieve the pain. Both patients underwent a surgical procedure, i.e. core decompression and total hip replacement. In HIV-infected patients, osteonecrosis, i.e. avascular necrosis is an increasingly common problem in view of current longer life expectancy. The incidence of osteonecrosis is higher in HIV-infected patients than in the general population. Osteonecrosis should be included in differential diagnosis of groin or hip pain in HIV-positive patients. This may enable more rapid diagnosis and reduce the need for surgery.