Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee and medial meniscal tears.
Several factors may play a role in the etiology of "spontaneous" osteonecrosis of the medial femoral condyle. Corticosteroids are known to induce osteonecrosis, and 45% of the patients in this study received steroids parenterally or by intra-articular injection. Another factor, heretofore given little attention, is the association of medial meniscal tears and "spontaneous" osteonecrosis. Twenty-one (78%) of 27 knees examined by arthrography demonstrated meniscal tears. Stress concentration over the edge of the meniscal fragment may result in ischemic necrosis of the femoral condyle. Early detection of a medial meniscal tear by arthrography in older patients and prompt treatment may be important in avoiding the late changes of "spontaneous" osteonecrosis.
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones