The spine in sickle cell disease

Abstract

Bone changes in sickle cell disease occur due to marrow hyperplasia, tissue ischaemia and infarction due to vaso-occlusion. Between 1982 and 1991 thirty four patients were treated in the Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Departments of the Kind Fahd University Hospital, Al-Khobar, with spinal complications due to sickle cell disease. There were 21 males and 13 females aged between 4 and 28 years (mean 17.4 years). Structural changes in the vertebral bodies due to marrow hyperplasia occurred in 44% of the patients. Avascular necrosis leading to collapse of the vertebral bodies was seen in 9 (27%) patients. Infective spondylitis was the most serious complication seen in 8 (24%) patients; the majority needed anterolateral decompression and bone grafting. The spine is often affected in sickle cell disease and aggressive treatment with close follow-up is required to avoid disabling complications.

Bone mineral density in children with sickle cell anemia

“…2). Patients with increased vertebral bone density Z‐scores should be viewed with caution as this morphologic picture is well described in SCA 17.…”

Bone mineral density, growth, pubertal development and other parameters in Brazilian children and young adults with sickle cell anaemia

“…Furthermore, repeated episodes of decreased blood flow and bone marrow hyperplasia may result in loss of bone trabeculae (Sadat‐Ali et al . ). This may lead to stress fractures, orbital compression, dental problems, vertebral collapse and articular surface sclerosis (Emodi & Okoye ; Ganesh et al .…”

Salmonella Spondylodiscitis in a Patient with Sickle Cell Disease - Case Report and Literature Review

“…SCD is known to have profound and significant implication on the spine. The spinal manifestations of SCD can be acute or chronic, and includes spinal VOC crisis, infection, vertebral infarction, compression fracture and osteoporosis [1,6].…”