Bone changes in sickle cell anaemia.

Analysis of available radiographs of the skeletal system in 50 patients suffering from sickle cell anaemia in the Assir Region (South Western height and valley) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia taken over a three year period showed a wide spectrum of bone changes. Both infarctions and medullary hyperplasia were common, producing the usual previously reported changes. Spinal changes, mostly osteoporosis and vertebral end plate depression were more prominent in the younger age group. Avascular necrosis of femoral head was common and occurred earlier than in previous reports in the literature. Humeral head and radial head necrosis were also recorded. The overall findings agree with recent reports from both the Eastern and Western regions of the Kingdom that bone changes in SCA are common and could be more severe than in other countries. Complications such as osteomyelitis and fractures were not common.