Bilateral Panner’s disease in sickle cell anaemia: Case report

Abstract

Avascular necrosis is common in sickle cell disease in various vulnerable areas such as in the femoral or humeral heads. Panner’s disease however is described as avascular necrosis of the capitellum, which commonly occurs in a younger age group. It is a pathological process believed to be caused by interference in the blood supply to the growing capitellar epiphysis. A 17 year old boy with sickle cell disease presented with pain on pronation and supination of both elbows, particularly on the lateral side. These movements were restricted in both elbows. Plain radiograph of his elbows showed fragmentation of the capitellum with signs of revascularisation. We have performed a thorough literature search and have not found other reported cases of Panner’s avascular necrosis of the capitellum in association with sickle cell disease. We conclude that Panner’s disease is a possible complication of sickle cell anaemia.