title: Multifocal osteonecrosis after short-term high-dose corticosteroid therapy. A case report.
abstract: Osteonecrosis is a common sequela of long-term steroid therapy. This paper presents the only case of multifocal osteonecrosis to occur after a short-term course of methylprednisolone for treatment of septic shock. Two years after receiving a two-week course of corticosteroid treatment, the patient developed pain in his right and left shoulders and left hip. Roentgenograms and magnetic resonance imaging revealed changes consistent with osteonecrosis of both humeral heads and the femoral head. The patient failed to respond to conservative treatment and eventually was treated with bipolar hip replacement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics Naval Hospital, San Diego, California 92134-5000.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Mack
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005271:Femur Head Necrosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006811:Humerus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D010027:Osteotomy; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011859:Radiography
chemical_list: D011241:Prednisone; D008775:Methylprednisolone