Sickle cell anemia patient presented with asymptomatic unilateral hip pain, most likely diagnosis is:
- a) Septic arthritis
- b) Avascular Necrosis
- c) ?
The correct answer is b.
The most likely diagnosis for a sickle cell anemia patient presenting with asymptomatic unilateral hip pain is avascular necrosis (AVN).
What is Sickle cell anemia?
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition that affects the shape of red blood cells. These abnormally shaped cells can get stuck in small blood vessels, causing blockages and preventing blood from reaching different parts of the body. One of the areas that is particularly susceptible to this blockage is the femoral head, the ball-shaped bone at the top of the thigh bone that fits into the hip socket.
When the femoral head does not receive enough blood, it can start to die, a condition known as AVN. AVN can cause pain, stiffness, and eventually, loss of function in the hip joint.
Hip Painm
Asymptomatic unilateral hip pain in a sickle cell anemia patient is a classic symptom of AVN. The pain is typically described as a dull ache or a sharp pain that worsens with activity. In some cases, there may be no pain at all, especially in the early stages of the disease.
Septic arthritis is another possible diagnosis for a patient with unilateral hip pain. However, it is less likely than AVN in a sickle cell anemia patient. Septic arthritis is an infection of the joint space, and it is typically accompanied by fever, redness, swelling, and pain in the affected joint.
Other possible diagnoses for a patient with unilateral hip pain include:
- Transient synovitis:
Transient synovitis is a temporary inflammation of the joint lining that is common in children. It typically causes pain, swelling, and limping, but these symptoms usually resolve within a few weeks without treatment.
- Perthes disease:
Perthes disease is a condition that affects the blood supply to the femoral head in children. It can cause pain, limping, and a decrease in range of motion in the hip joint.
- Slipped capital femoral epiphysis:
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a condition in which the femoral head slips out of place. It is more common in overweight and obese adolescents, and it can cause pain, limping, and a deformity of the hip joint.
If you are concerned about hip pain, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical examination, and order any necessary tests to determine the cause of your pain. Treatment will depend on the underlying diagnosis.
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Orthopaedic Surgery