Osteonecrosis of the femoral head that developed after long-term topical steroid application

J Orthop Sci. 2001;6(1):92-4. doi: 10.1007/s007760170031.

Abstract

This is a report of a 52-year-old man who developed osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONF) following long-term application of steroid for facial eczema. Before hip pain appeared, the patient had applied 2-3g/day of 0.05% clobetasol propionate for 2 years and 10 months. This steroid is classified as being in the strongest category. ONF was diagnosed based on radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings, and the patient received surgical treatment for both hips. ONF was also confirmed by pathological examination of a specimen obtained from the right femoral head during surgery. Because there were no risk factors for ONF besides topical steroid application, this case was considered as ONF associated with topical steroid. Even when steroids are for external use, their dosage and administration should be monitored, and the risk of ONF should also be considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects*
  • Clobetasol / administration & dosage
  • Clobetasol / adverse effects*
  • Clobetasol / analogs & derivatives
  • Eczema / drug therapy
  • Femur Head Necrosis / chemically induced*
  • Femur Head Necrosis / diagnosis
  • Femur Head Necrosis / surgery
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Clobetasol