Core decompression with autologous bone marrow aspirate injection in humeral head osteonecrosis in adults with sickle cell disease

Purpose Sickle cell disease is often associated with osteonecrosis of the humeral head with a risk of progression to humeral head collapse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome and the effect on the necrosis evolution of humeral head core decompression with autologous bone marrow aspirate injection in these patients. Methods Forty shoulders in 23 patients were treated with core decompression with autologous concentrated iliac crest bone marrow aspirate injection. Patients were followed for a minimum of two years (limits from 2 to 10 years). Functional outcomes metrics included the simple shoulder test (STT) and subjective shoulder value (SSV) as well as assessment of radiographic progression of disease. Results Shoulder function improved significantly at final follow-up. The STT improved by 2.9 points ( p = 0.001) and the SVV improved by 15 % ( p = 0.001). However, based on radiologic features, the intervention did not halt the radiographic progression of disease nor did it result in healing of the lesion. The benefits were mainly clinical with diminished pain and functional improvement. Conclusion Improvement in shoulder function was observed following core decompression and bone marrow aspirate injection in patients with sickle cell disease and early humeral head necrosis stages. The procedure should not be considered for grade 3 or greater disease and for asymptomatic cases whatever the grade. Given the lack of radiographic improvement observed in this study, further study in the context of prospective controlled trials should be undertaken before this intervention can be widely recommended.