Orthopedic Complications Of Sickle Cell Disease: A Retrospective Evaluation Of 469 Patients In Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, leading to the deformation of red blood cells.There is growing impact of this condition on the musculoskeletal system.This study aimed to evaluate the Orthopedic complications in patients with SCA in Port Harcourt between While the standard care is known to be the use of analgesia, oxygenation, hydration, blood transfusions, and prevention of triggers of sickle cell crisis, [18] the use of a drug -Voxelotor, an inhibitor of polymerization of Hemoglobin S by increasing the oxygen affinity, has recently been shown to be very useful [19][20][21][22].Orthopedic presentations and complications of sickle cell anemia has been reported in Eastern Nigeria, [23][24] Western Nigeria, [25][26] southern Nigeria, [27] and Northern Nigeria [28].There July 2013 and June 2023.Materials and Methods: A retrospective analytical study of Orthopedic complications in patients with SCA who presented to the Hematology clinics of two teaching Hospitals was conducted.Collected data was analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences.Results: Among the 469 patients with SCA, 198 were males.The mean age of the study population was 25.21 years.The Orthopedic complications assessed included Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral head, Chronic leg ulcers (CLU), Osteomyelitis, and Osteoarthritis.A vascular Necrosis (AVN) of the Femoral head was observed in 50 (44.6%)patients.Chronic leg ulcers were present in 57 (50.9%) participants, while Osteomyelitis (OM) was identified in 14 (12.5%)patients.Osteoarthritis (OA) was the least common complication, occurring in only 3 individuals.The age group above 25years was statistically associated with development of Orthopedic complications especially for CLU and OM. Conclusion:Orthopedic complications are common in SCA patients, with a vascular Necrosis of the Femoral head, Chronic leg ulcers, Osteomyelitis, and Osteoarthritis being the most frequently observed complications.These findings underscore the need for comprehensive management strategies and multidisciplinary care to minimize the impact of these complications on patients' quality of life.