Steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the hip in neurosurgical patients: epidemiological study

BACKGROUND: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is perceived to be a rare complication of short-term steroid therapy for neurosurgical conditions but its precise risk is unknown. METHODS: Retrospective review of hospital records between 1994 and 2001. RESULTS: The risk of developing AVN of the femoral head is 0.3% with an incidence of one per one thousand patients per year. CONCLUSIONS: It would be advisable to minimize both the dosage and the duration of steroid treatment where possible.