Aseptic Necrosis of the Femoral Head Associated with Steroid Therapy

Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head occurred in two patients after they had received intensive corticosteroid therapy. In neither case was the primary disease process one usually associated with this complication. In one case, that of an 18-yr-old woman, the medication was taken for chronic severe skin disease, diagnosed as pemphigus vulgaris. In the other, that of a 52-yr-old woman, the hormone was administered for recurrent exfoliative dermatitis. A direct hormonal effect on osteoblastic activity is offered as explanation for the bone necrosis. Prompt attention to symptoms of hip pain in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy may markedly alter the course of this complication.