Radiological abnormalities of the skeleton in patients with sickle-cell anemia

Abstract

The way in which bones are affected in cases of sickle-cell anemia is well known. Nevertheless, advances in treatment and in methods of transfusion mean that we are increasingly seeing cases of older patients with this disease. A retrospective analysis of 222 cases of sickle-cell anemia demonstrates the radiological appearance of the skeleton in the disease and reveals the various bone segments which are particularly vulnerable at certain periods of life. Correlation of X-rays permits the discovery of lesions which are not clinically apparent. The frequency and characteristics of epiphyseal osteonecrosis and osteitis are studied. Aggravation of the bone lesions when corticoids are administered poses the problem of differential diagnosis of the disease, especially in comparison with rheumatic fever.

A 'Made in One Piece' Skeleton in a 22-Year-Old Man Suffering from Sickle Cell Anaemia

“…Indeed, the results reported in the literature are often disappointing, indicating a very high incidence of infections and a high revision rate of the prosthesis. Moreover, perioperative complications and a considerable anaesthetic risk must be taken into account [5,8,[11][12][13]. The high incidence of infection following joint replacement in this disease has been attributed to functional asplenia, immune system abnormalities, poor blood perfusion in bone secondary to sickling, and the presence of bacteria in necrotic bone [12].…”

“…Sickle cell anaemia is the most common cause of femoral head necrosis in black people and causes severe chronic pain and disability [2]. This condition is often overlooked and should be actively sought and treated during infancy, in order to prevent important deformities of this joint leading to a high degree of invalidity in young adults [7][8][9][10]. In the early stages of avascular hip necrosis conservative treatment can be considered.…”