Bone and joint complications in sickle cell disease

Description: Although sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by a marked heterogeneity in clinical and hematologic severity [1,2], bone and joint problems are the most common manifestations. Pain, caused by vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), may occur as often as every week or as rarely as once a year. Many patients also suffer from the long-term consequences of VOC, such as avascular necrosis of the femoral heads or collapsed vertebral bodies, leading to a chronic state of pain in addition to the more acute painful crises. Bone and joint complications in SCD are discussed here [3]. Other manifestations of the disease are discussed separately. Subscription need to see the full text