Minimally invasive treatment with radiofrequency ablation and kyphoplasty for avascular necrosis of the spine in sickle cell disease: illustrative case
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the spine is a rare sequela of chronic sickle cell disease (SCD) in which the shape of the sickled red blood cells interfere with the normal vascular supply of vertebral bodies. In this report, the authors describe a case of progressive spinal AVN treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and kyphoplasty for the patient's persistent lower back pain. OBSERVATIONS: A 38-year-old male with long-standing spinal AVN due to SCD had been managed conservatively with hydroxyurea and oral opioid analgesics for several years until breakthrough episodes of low-back pain began to occur with an inability to perform activities of daily life. The patient's condition progressed to involve multiple vertebral bodies, leading to a refractory response. Bipedicular RFA directed at L3 and L4 with kyphoplasty was proposed as a novel, minimally invasive approach. The patient was found to have lasting postoperative relief. LESSONS: Patients with pain attributed to a sickle cell crisis can benefit from RFA and kyphoplasty to potentially eliminate or minimize symptoms from spinal AVN due to chronic SCD not responding to conservative management. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24343.
DOI: 10.3171/case24343
Authors: Rahul Mehta, Manisha Koneru, Clint Badger, Joshua Santucci, Zein Al-Atrache, Christina M. Clay, Steven S. Yocom, Hamza A. Shaikh
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4404480290