Avascular necrosis of the femoral and humeral heads in the sickle cell disease: Experience at Qatif central hospital, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

To estimate the frequency of avascular necrosis of femoral heads [ANFH] and humeral heads [ANHH] in sickle cell disease patients. Retrospective study. A secondary care hospital, which is the main referral hospital in Qatif area. Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. A total of 105 patients, native to the Qatif area with sickle cell disease; 59 patients were males; 46 patients were females; mean age was 22.3 years, [range 5-70 years]. Review of radiographs of femoral and humeral heads. Main outcome measures: Presence of avascular necrosis of femoral and humeral heads. Abnormalities were graded according to Ficat's classification of ANFH. The frequency of ANFH was 41.9%, and that of ANHH was 47.6%. The disease was bilateral in 63.6% and 84% of patients with ANFH and ANHH respectively; 72.7% of patients with ANFH had also ANHH. The frequencies of ANFH and ANHH as reported in this study from Qatif area are much higher than previously reported from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia