Sickle cell anemia and the hand

Abstract

Sickle cell anemia is a lethal chronic hemolytic anemia. People suffering from sickle cell disease (homozygous SS) experience sickle cell crises under conditions of low oxygen tension. Sickle cell anemia affects multiple organ systems, including the musculoskeletal system. There is extensive literature about how sickle cell anemia affects the long bones of the musculoskeletal system. There is very little written about the effects of sickle cell anemia on the hand. This article reviews the manifestations of sickle disease in the hand, including the hand-foot syndrome or dactylitis, osteomyelitis, terminal phalangeal sclerosis, and avascular necrosis of the carpal bones (lunate).