Sickle Cell Bone Effects

Types of Hemoglobin Cells

• Normal hemoglobin cells are smooth, flexible and round and move easily through arteries, veins and capillaries. Sickle cells, in contrast, are stiff and sticky; they form into the shape of a sickle or a "C" after losing their oxygen.
  
  

Primary Feature

• People with sickle cell disease are chronically anemic because the abnormal cells have a much shorter life span than normal hemoglobin cells.
  
  

Pain Cause

• Sickle cells tend to clump together and cause blockages, leading to inadequate blood flow and oxygen to body tissues. This can cause pain and damage to organs and bones.
  
  

Sickle Cell Crisis

• A sickle cell crisis, also called a vaso-occlusive crisis, occurs when the abnormal cells become stuck in a blood vessel. The pain can last for several minutes to several days and usually affects the bones and muscles of the arms, legs and back.
  
  

Progressive Worsening

• Over time, poor blood supply to an area in the bones can result in avascular necrosis, or bone death. This condition worsens as time goes by, leading to chronic pain and disability.
  
  

Cure and Treatment

• The only cure for sickle cell disease is a bone marrow transplant, as it is bone marrow that produces the abnormal cells. Treatments include blood transfusions and pain medication.