• ABSTRACT
    • 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.