Re: Steroids and Avascular Necrosis

Posted By CCF MD on September 29, 1997 at 16:37:13:

In Reply to: Steroids and Avascular Necrosis posted by Sandy on September 28, 1997 at 17:10:28:







: I have had 1 gmX5 days of  IV steroids four times  and 3 treatments of oral steroids in 19 months for exacerbations of MS. In May, my upper thigh/outer hip area started to hurt when Iwould  use my leg to rise from a sitting position (car,chair etc.) and climbing stairs. I doesn't hurt  at rest, or in the morning.  My internist (without complete knowledge of the steroids) thinks that I have an inflamed bursa and has prescribed PT.  A friend of mine who is also a transplant surgeon said that she treats alot of patients who have been on heavy steroids and that I described a classic case of avacular necrosis.  She thinks it's crucial that I tell the internist about the steroids.  Is my friend over reacting?  Can ultra sound complicate the problem is it is avascular necrosis vs. an inflamed bursa?  I am 46 and  have never been told before that I have bursitis.  If there is a possibility of it being avascular necrosis, should that be checked out before I try therapy or visa versa?  Thanks for your time.  Your forum is a great idea.  More learning/research centers should follow your lead.




Thanks for using our service Sandy. I agree with your friend - avascular necosis as a cause of your
problems needs to be investigated further. It may turn out not to be the case but it is very suspicious.
Steroid use can cause avascular necrosis ie. the blood supply of the femur to the hip is lost. This can occur even with a single dose treatment.
You MUST tell your internist who will probably refer you to an orthopedist.
I would look into this before starting therapy - you do not want to cause yourself more problems.
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of your specific medical condition.