Hip replacement in a patient of sickle cell disease: an anaesthetic challenge

Majority of surgical procedures in patients with sickle cell disease are a result of the disease process itself and require intervention for either treatment or prevention of certain complications. Avascular necrosis of femoral head is a known complication of sickle cell disease. Hereby we describe the successful anaesthetic management of a 45 year old male patient with sickle cell disease with avascular necrosis of femoral head who underwent total hip replacement surgery under central neuraxial blockade. Proper understanding of the disease process and its anaesthetic implications are essential for successful perioperative management of sickle cell disease patient. Keywords: Avascular necrosis of femoral head, Sickle cell disease, Central neuraxial blockade