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Thalassaemia is the most common haemoglobinopathy in the Chinese population. However, recurrent painful digital swelling is not a typical manifestation of this well-known hereditary condition. We describe a case of co-inheritance of beta-thalassaemia and sickle cell trait in a Chinese family and a child who suffered from sickle cell/beta-thalassaemia with recurrent dactylitis. This report highlights awareness of this rare condition in the Chinese population, since acute manifestations can be life-threatening and mimic other emergency conditions. Prompt management can prevent further complications and avoid unnecessary interventions due to delay in diagnosis. A detailed family history and examination of the patient's peripheral blood smear is crucial to reach a correct diagnosis.

Objective: To evaluate the features and diagnostic performance of sonography in the assessment of deferoxamine-induced dysplasia of the knee., Methods: The left knees of 32 patients with thalassemia who were receiving regular blood transfusions and chelation therapy were studied with sonography for signs of deferoxamine-induced bone dysplasia. Abnormal physeal and metaphyseal changes detected on sonography included notching at the metaphyseal corner, a blurred or irregular peripheral juxtaphyseal metaphyseal contour, and widening of the peripheral juxtaphyseal metaphyseal echogenic interface. The accuracy of sonography in diagnosing dysplasia was evaluated by using magnetic resonance imaging as the standard of reference., Results: There were 14 true-positive findings, 10 true-negative findings, 7 false-negative findings, and 1 false-positive sonographic diagnosis of dysplasia, giving 67% sensitivity, 91% specificity, a 93% positive predictive value, and a 59% negative predictive value., Conclusion: Sonography was specific but only moderately sensitive in the diagnosis of deferoxamine-induced dysplasia at the knee when compared with magnetic resonance imaging.