Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation for Osteonecrosis in Sickle Cell Disease

Inclusion Criteria: * Stable sickle cell disease patients * FICAT classification of osteonecrosis, inclusive of Stage II. * Diagnosis will be based on X-Ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). * No infection in affected bones at the time of surgery. * Patient competent to give informed consent. * Scoring at least 20 points on the pain and daily life activities questionnaire. Exclusion Criteria: * FICAT stage III or more * Patients with a history of corticosteroids or on active therapy * Bone infection at the limb affected by necrosis * Recurrent painful crises, * Immunosuppressive drug therapy, * Pregnancy, * Presence of neoplastic disease or any other clinical concurrent condition other than sickle cell disease that predisposed them to the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head