Management and Outcomes of an Open Distal Femur Fracture in an HIV-Positive Patient: A Case Report From Madina Hospital, Somalia.

Background: HIV infection has historically been associated with impaired fracture healing due to immune dysregulation, altered inflammatory responses, and reduced bone mineral density. However, emerging evidence suggests that patients with well-controlled HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) may achieve surgical outcomes comparable to HIV-negative individuals, even following complex orthopedic trauma. This case report aims to describe the management and outcome of an open distal femur fracture in an HIV-positive patient in a resource-limited setting. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 25-year-old male with previously undiagnosed HIV infection who sustained an open, displaced distal femur fracture secondary to a gunshot injury. HIV infection was confirmed using a WHO-recommended sequential rapid testing algorithm. The patient demonstrated moderate immune competence (CD4 count: 400 cells/mm Conclusion: This case supports growing evidence that HIV infection, when appropriately diagnosed and managed, should not be considered a contraindication to internal fixation of open femoral fractures. Timely surgical intervention, adherence to open fracture management principles, and early initiation of ART can result in favorable outcomes, even in resource-limited settings.