Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin S and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The current study was aimed to determine the incidence of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the head of the femur in SCD patients in Al-Baha region.
Methodology: A retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the King Fahad Hospital located in Al-Baha region in the Kindom of Saudi Arabia. The patient's data collected were the well organized using a computerized system established in 2017.
Results: The study showed a significant relationship between female gender SCD and developing AVN, 25 (56.8%). Among the total subjects, 44 patients were females, while only 19 patients were male. Furthermore, the study also found a strong statistically significant relationship between the incidence of AVN and recurrence. A total of 44 (24.3%) patients developed recurrence after AVN development. In 12.1% of them, the recurrence was in the left hip, while 9.0% had it on the right hip, followed by 4% on both the hip and only 2% has developed it on the left shoulder. Among the total, 97.7% of the study group were treated from AVN by replacement while 2.3% continued on conservative treatment.
Conclusion: The incidence of AVN of the head of the femur among 24% of the study patients was considered less than that observed in countries of high incidence including Nigeria with 47% but still this percentage needs attention from health system as the avascular necroses of femur head could affect all aspect of life of the patients and health system economy.
Key words: Incidence, avascular necrosis, head of the femur, sickle cell
|
