Objective: To report cases of osteonecrosis in patients who were HIV positive but had no apparent risk factors for osteonecrosis.
Patients and methods: A computer search of records from two university-affiliated teaching hospitals yielded eight cases of osteonecrosis in HIV-positive patients and patients with AIDS. The patients' charts and radiographic records were reviewed to determine possible risk factors for osteonecrosis.
Results: In four of the eight patients no definite risk factors for osteonecrosis could be found.
Conclusion: Osteonecrosis may be a musculoskeletal complication of HIV infection.