Aseptic Bone Necrosis and Corticosteroid Therapy

Abstract

Among the complications of anti-inflammatory steroid therapy is aseptic necrosis of the femoral and humeral heads, an effect not predicted from animal experiments. The pathogenesis of this steroid-related degenerative process is obscure. The first case report of aseptic necrosis of bone occurring in association with the administration of cortisone was published in 1957.¹ However, a more recent report has included an instance of this phenomenon which was observed in 1952.² We have recently observed seven such cases in the 750-bed VA Hospital, Pittsburgh, and one instance in another hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Our cases closely resemble others which have been reported. Because of the increasing frequency with which degeneration of the femoral and humeral heads occurring in association with corticosteroid therapy is being observed, and since much of the pertinent literature is not in English-language journals, our experience is being reported together with a