Pathogenesis and treatment of osteonecrosis of the shoulder

Orthop Clin North Am. 2004 Jul;35(3):397-404, xi. doi: 10.1016/j.ocl.2004.03.004.

Abstract

Osteonecrosis of the humeral head is an uncommon condition that occurs when bone vascularity is impaired. The causes underlying osteonecrosis of the humeral head seem to be multifactorial and can be traumatic or nontraumatic. Although clinical symptoms and causative factors affect the treatment of each patient, staging is the most objective criterion in deciding on the most appropriate treatment. Conservative treatment can be effective in stages I and II. Surgical intervention is advocated when symptoms are persistent and signs of collapse are evident. The surgical options include arthroscopic débridement, core decompression, vascularized bone grafting, and shoulder arthroplasty.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alcoholism / complications
  • Arthroplasty / methods
  • Arthroscopy / methods
  • Bone Transplantation / methods
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Debridement / methods
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods
  • Female
  • Gaucher Disease / complications
  • Hemoglobinopathies / complications
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteonecrosis / diagnosis
  • Osteonecrosis / etiology*
  • Osteonecrosis / therapy*
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Shoulder Joint / pathology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wounds and Injuries / complications

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones