The shoulder in sickle-cell disease.
Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is probably the commonest cause of avascular necrosis worldwide, and its prevalence appears to be rising in developed countries. Avascular necrosis of the humeral head is a common complication but has not been previously studied in detail. We have reviewed 138 patients with SCD for clinical, radiological and functional abnormalities of the shoulder, using a radiological classification designed for avascular necrosis of the shoulder. Radiographic lesions, frequently bilateral, were found in 28% and only 53% of patients had normal shoulder function. The management of this relatively common complication is difficult. Joint replacement is likely to fail and early diagnosis is important.
David
H G
HG
Central Middlesex Hospital, London, England.
Bridgman
S A
SA
Davies
S C
SC
Hine
A L
AL
Emery
R J
RJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006450:Hemoglobin SC Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006811:Humerus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011859:Radiography; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology