I am 47 yeaers old. I was diagnosed as HIV+ about a year ago and have done well on the therapy (Atripula). Recently I began to experience severe pain in my groin and thigh area and had trouble walking and developed a slight limp. I was recently diagnosed with AVN. My question is: Is there any other feasible option of treatment other than total hip replacemnent, and if that is the only remedy, will I be able to look forward to normal activity and mobility like exercise and fitness regimens. Also, at this stage is exercise feasible? Thank You!

Aseptic necrosis of the hip appears to be more common in HIV+ persons with use of corticosteroids, elevated trigylceride levels and other non-HIV factors contributing to the risk. I have had numerous patients undergo hip replacement with good outcomes (return of full capacity including exercise and loss of pain) though the recovery/rehab can be challenging. Some surgeons in some cases offer some revascularization procedures for early cases but I have no personal experience with that approach.KH