The patient had a history of sickle-cell anemia.

This is an early example of the classical H-shaped vertebrae seen in sickle-cell anemia. H-shaped vertebrae are a characteristic finding seen in ~10% of patients with the disease. Bone infarction may be complicated by Salmonella osteomyelitis. Other signs to look for on chest films are cardiomegaly, absent spleen, and cholecystectomy clips.