9 knee arthroplasties for sickle cell disease

Abstract

Sickle cell disease sometimes presents with knee arthropathy secondary to osteonecrosis. We report our experience with 9 total knee arthroplasties in 5 patients. The joint fluid, synovium, capsule, and excised bones were sent for culture. Tissue cultures from 5 knees grew organisms. The outcome was: 6 excellent, 1 good, 1 satisfactory, and 1 poor. Infection in 1 case led to removal of the prosthesis and subsequent arthrodesis. 1 patient had persistent peroneal nerve palsy. There were no hematological complications. We suggest that osteonecrosis in sickle cell disease should be considered septic.