Background:
Musculoskeletal manifestations are common in sickle cell disease (SCD). Vaso-occlusive crisis can manifest acutely as joint and bone pain, osteomyelitis and/or arthritis. It can also lead to chronic bone aches, bone deformities, degenerative arthritis, pathological fractures, and osteoporosis. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is a mode of treatment in which the patient is exposed to very high arterial and tissue oxygen pressure, during multiple sessions. It has been used as primary or adjunctive therapy for a variety of medical disorders, including necrotizing infection and sickle cell crisis.
Case report:
In this case series, 3 patients with SCD and avascular necrosis were treated with 15-40 sessions of HBO and were assessed 6-12 months by MRI after treatment. They showed different clinical outcomes and MRI changes.
Conclusion:
We concluded that HBO can result in some subjective improvement, especially in early stages. Further studies on severe cases are needed.