Publication: Functional Outcomes of Uncemented Total Hip Arthroplasty forOsteonecrosis of the Femoral Head due to Sickle Cell Disease inNepal: A Retrospective Study
Date
2026
Article Type
Original Article
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
eISSN: 3102-0194 pISSN: 3102-0186
Volume Title
Pages
Pages: 28 - 33
Publisher
Nepal APF Hospital
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: Sickle cell disease is particularly prevalent among the Tharu population of western Nepal. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a common and debilitating complication of sickle cell disease, resulting from recurrent vaso-occlusive episodes. The study aimed to determine the functional outcomes and complications following total hip arthroplasty in patients with sickle cell disease-associated osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital after ethical clearance (Reference No: 1137/26-01-2026) between January 2019 and June 2025. Medical records of 16 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty for advanced osteonecrosis of femoral head secondary to sickle cell disease were reviewed. Demographic characteristics, sickle cell genotype, functional outcome and complications were recorded. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Harris Hip Score preoperatively and at 6-month follow-up and were compared using a paired t-test.
Results: Among 16 patients (17 hips), the mean Harris Hip Score improved from 46.29±11.92 preoperatively to 86.47±5.96 at 6-month follow-up. The mean age was 40.88±10.31 years. There were 9 (56.25%) females and 7 (43.75%) males. Fourteen patients had homozygous genotype and two had sickle-beta thalassemia. Bilateral hip involvement was observed in 6 (37.50%) patients. Postoperative outcomes were excellent in 6 (35.29%) hips, good in 8 (47.06%), and fair in 3 (17.65%) hips. One superficial wound infection and three acute vaso-occlusive or acute anemic episodes requiring intensive care and transfusion were recorded.
Conclusions: Total hip arthroplasty provides significant functional improvement and pain relief in patients with sickle cell disease-associated osteonecrosis of the femoral head, with acceptable complication rates when appropriate perioperative management is provided.
Description
Tirthendra Khadka
Department of Orthopedics, Bheri Hospital, Nepalgunj, Banke, Nepal.
Rajan Pande
Department of Medicine, Bheri Hospital, Nepalgunj, Banke, Nepal.
Prakash Bahadur Thapa
Department of Orthopedics, Bheri Hospital, Nepalgunj, Banke, Nepal.
Rahul Mishra
Department of Orthopedics, Bheri Hospital, Nepalgunj, Banke, Nepal.
Keywords
arthroplasty, hip, osteonecrosis, replacement, sickle cell disease
Identifier
https://doi.org/10.64772/mjapfn.2.2.55