Tardive hip disease diagnosis in a young adult with sickle cell disease

AA Bokolombe, F Samato, T Lukinu, MB Ekila, MN Aloni

Abstract

Background: Hip disease is a complication of Sickle Cell Disease most commonly occurs during adolescence and early adult life that constitutes from 3.3% to 26.7% % of cases in SCD patients. Damage to mature epiphysis may cause persistent symptoms requiring surgery which may need revision if it becomes loose with wear.

Case presentation: We report a 27-year-old male who was diagnosed with hip disease following investigations for persistent pain in right hip associated with limp and painful limitation of movement. Avascular necrosis of the right femoral head was identified on a hip X-ray.

Conclusion: Further investigation will be necessary to identify risk factors in SCD Congolese patient and each SCD patient must be screened for predisposing factors.

Keywords: Hip disease- diagnosis-sickle cell anemia- young adult-Kinshasa