Should we be concerned about treating mpox patients in orthopaedic surgery? A narrative review
Year: 2025
Type: review
Abstract: Background The Mpox virus , is a zoonotic viral infection that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus and the poxviridae class. Infections caused by the orthopoxvirus can either be local or generalised disease. Once exposed the virus will enter the body through broken skin(cutaneous inoculation), mucous membranes (mouth, eyes) or the respiratory tract. Historically, case fatality rates (CFRs) have been published for each clade; CFRs for Clade I and II have been reported to be >10 % and 1–5%, respectively. Aim The purpose of this study was to examine the existing literature on Mpox and to consolidate the associated risk factors, causes and orthopaedic management strategies. Results Studies done in Nigeria and central Africa highlighted contact with wild life (i.e hunting) as significant risk factor for Mpox.The Mpox has an incubation period of 7–14, that can also range between from 5 to 21 days. The correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene and patient isolation remain as fundamental ways to prevent pathogen spread. It is highly crucial that all elective orthopaedic procedures should be deferred for patients with suspected or confirmed Mpox until the patient is deemed no longer contagious or typically asymptomatic, and skin lesions have disappeared. Conclusion Future research must investigate the correlation between Mpox and orthopaedic surgery. New standardized orthopaedic surgical guidelines should be developed for its treatment.
Source: Journal of Orthopaedic Reports
Language: English
Subfield: Virology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $600
OpenAlex ID: W4406569906