Imagingof a vascular necrosis of the femoral head

Abstract

A vascular necrosis of the femoral head occurs in a wide variety of ciinical conditions that have the interruption of the blood supply to the femoral head as a common pathophysiology. Common causes inciude femoral head fracture and/or dislocation, steroid therapy, Cushing's disease, marrow packing processes such as Gaucher's •Jisease, small vessel diseases.as systemic lupus erythematosus and polyarteritis, sickle cell disease, pancreatitis, alcoholism and a wi'cte variety of less common conditions.

The major role of radiology here is early detection of the disease when surgical procedures may prevent disease progression.

Without early intervention, however, many patients progress to femoral head collapse and develop a disabling and painful arthropathy.

Unfortunately, distinct plain radiographic changes are only . apparent late in the disease process.