Bilateral osteonecrosis of the femoral and humeral heads after short term corticosteroid therapy. A case study

Abstract

Steroid induced osteonecrosis is a devastating injury that usually requires rebuild of the joint, with the femoral and the humeral head being most commonly affected. Steroid therapy is the most common reported cause of atraumatic osteonecrosis. The Collaborative Osteonecrosis Group Study confirmed that steroids are the primary cause of multi-focal osteonecrosis in 91% of the cases. Osteonecrosis is considered multifocal when three or more joints are involved. We report a rare case of bilateral steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the proximal femora and humeri nine months after a short course of intravenous methylprednisolone for treatment of multiple myeloma. The relationship between development of osteonecrosis and corticosteroid treatment has been extensively investigated. Steroid therapy is the most common reported cause of atraumatic osteonecrosis. Multi-focal osteonecrosis should be highly suspected and thoroughly investigated in patients with persistent pain at typical sites after commencement of steroids.