Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty in sickle cell disease

Simultaneous bilateral uncemented total hip arthroplasty for avascular necrosis of the femoral head resulting from sickle cell disease was performed in 18 consecutive patients (36 hips). The patients were followed 2 to 10 years (mean, 5.7 years). All patients showed improvement in postoperative hip scores compared with preoperative scores for pain, range of motion, and function. There were 2 immediate postoperative complications related to sickling of red blood cells. One intraoperative fracture of the proximal femur occurred. There was 1 superficial and 1 deep infection. There was no femoral stem loosening, but 1 protrusio acetabuli occurred. One acetabular cup was revised for instability. Heterotopic ossification developed in 2 patients. Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty in sickle cell disease is a good option in a select group of patients with adequate hydration and ventilation in the perioperative and postoperative periods.