This study is for adults with sickle cell disease (SCD), a condition where red blood cells change shape, who also have osteonecrosis, a problem causing bone tissue to die in the hip or shoulder. Participants will take a medicine called alendronate, 70 mg, once a week for 6 months. The study will see if this helps with pain and bone health. Researchers will also collect blood and urine samples to check for signs of changes in bones.

They plan to enroll 24 adults at the University of California Davis Medical Center. Participants need to be between 18-80 years old, able to consent, and not pregnant. People who have been hospitalized recently, or are underage, cannot join.

• The study lasts for 6 months, with medicine taken weekly.
• Blood and urine tests will be done at the start, 3 months, and 6 months.
• The study aims to see if the medicine helps with pain and bone health safely.

If you're interested and eligible, this study might help improve understanding of treating bone issues in SCD.