title: [Pharmacotherapeutic aspects of femoral head necrosis].
abstract: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip is one of the unsolved problems in orthopedics, especially with regard to drug therapy. Only a few studies exist using a long-term approach with vasodilating agents such as prostaglandins, anticoagulants, hormones, as well as lipid lowering and bone protective drugs such as bisphosphonates. However, using these medications several studies have demonstrated a significant reduction in pain, in the destruction of the femoral head as well as in overall disability. This resulted in a reduced need for joint replacement in patients with AVN and to a substantial improvement in quality of life. Of note, drug therapy should be initiated in the early phases of AVN as later stages appear to be less responsive to medication.
authors.affiliation: Lehrstuhl für Innere Medizin mit Schwerpunkt Rheumatologie der Justus-Liebig Universität Giessen.
authors.forename: I H
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Tarner
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dinser
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Müller-Ladner
mesh_terms: D018771:Arthralgia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005271:Femur Head Necrosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D014665:Vasodilator Agents