Risk Period of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Patients on Steroid Therapy.
10.4055/jkoa.2002.37.6.745
- Author:
Sang Jin LEE
1
;
Kyung Hoi KOO
;
Young Phil YOON
;
Chung Woo CHUN
;
Won Sup LEE
;
Yong Sik KIM
;
Yoon Soo PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gyeong-Sang National University School of Medicine, Chinju, Korea. khkoo@nongae.gsnu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Femoral head;
Osteonecrosis;
Steroid
- MeSH:
Diagnosis;
Follow-Up Studies;
Head*;
Humans;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging;
Mass Screening;
Medical Records;
Osteonecrosis*;
Prednisolone
- From:The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
2002;37(6):745-749
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To evaluate the risk period of osteonecrosis of the femoral head following steroid therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records data were reviewed and studied the duration and dosage of steroid therapy for 22 patients who were diagnosed as in the early stage osteonecrosis by MRI but were without positive findings on plain radiographs. RESULTS: The period from the onset of steroid therapy to the time of diagnosis by MRI ranged from one to 16 months (mean, 5.3 months). Twenty-one of the 22 patients were diagnosed within 12 months. The total dosage of steroid ranged from 1,800 to 15,505 mg of prednisolone or its equivalent (mean, 5,928 mg). CONCLUSION: The current study revealed that the risk period for developing femoral head osteonecrosis in patients receiving long-term steroid therapy is 12 months. Periodical follow-up and intensive screening are recommended within the first year of long-term steroid therapy to detect osteonecrosis of the femoral head at an early stage.
