A Case of Non-Traumatic Avascular Necrosis of Femur in Case of Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia

Geeta Mandhani; Manas Kalra; Ramani Narasimhan; V K Khanna; Amita Mahajan

doi:10.13107/jocr.2250-0685.796

A Case of Non-Traumatic Avascular Necrosis of Femur in Case of Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia

J Orthop Case Rep. 2017 May-Jun;7(3):38-40. doi: 10.13107/jocr.2250-0685.796.

Authors

Geeta Mandhani¹, Manas Kalra¹, Ramani Narasimhan¹, V K Khanna², Amita Mahajan¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India.
² Department of Pediatrics, Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, India.

Abstract

Introduction: Avascular necrosis of the head of femur (AVNF) has frequently been reported with sickle cell anemia but is not commonly associated with beta thalassemia.

Case report: We report a case of 14-year-old male with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) and hepatitis C, who developed bilateral atraumatic AVNF requiring surgical correction. The likely etiopathogenesis and the review of literature for this uncommon finding are discussed.

Conclusion: AVNF should be considered as a possibility in a patient with TDT presenting with hip pain. Multiple disease and treatment related factors are likely to play a key role in its causation.

Keywords: Avascular necrosis of femur; interferon; transfusion dependent thalassemia.

Publication types

Case Reports