Fibrosis of the Quadriceps Muscles Secondary to Sickle Cell Disease: A Case Report

The musculo-skeletal system is commonly affected in sickle cell disease, manifesting itself as bone infarction, femoral head osteonecrosis, osteomyelitis, myonecrosis, myofibrosis and fascitis. Myositis and fasciitis are observed during a vaso-occlusive crisis in 4% of patients. Pain and swelling of bilateral proximal groups of muscles of upper and lower limbs are common presenting complaints due to prolonged sickling crises [1]. We report a case of 30-year old known HbSS patient with bilateral knee stiffness of two months duration, with associated swelling and warmth of both thighs. No preceding history of trauma. He was said to suffer at least two sickling crises in a month with the last one occurring one week prior to presentation. X-ray of the thigh showed no calcification in muscle groups. He was commenced on flexion-extension exercises.