title: Multifocal osteonecrosis predominantly affecting the knees secondary to chronic alcohol ingestion: A case report and review.
abstract: We present a case of multifocal osteonecrosis secondary to alcohol ingestion in a middle aged lady, after the exclusion of other causal factors. It presented initially with knee pain and subsequently necessitated arthroplasty; other areas became more problematic. This condition is rare and we present a literature review that reveals that after steroids the suspected link to alcohol is not so obvious. A high index of suspicion is required and treatment remains expectant and symptomatic. The role of screening is also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Roach
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Griffiths
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee; D008875:Middle Aged; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000209:etiology*