Imaging in steroid induced bilateral osteo necrosis of femoral head ( a case report)

Radiographic changes in Osteo necrosis(ON) of femoral head are classical. However, they are not helpful in early detection. Besides routine radiography, radionuclide scanning and magnetic resonance imaging can be used for early detection of ON. All the three imaging procedures were carried out in a seven year old boy suspected to be having steroid induced bilateral ON. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)is reported to be superior. It has demonstrated structural changes more clearly in the case reported here. However, both early and late stages of ON were also demonstrated by radio-nuclide scanning with additional information regarding vascular status. The relative merits of each modality are discussed below. (author). 9 refs., 4 figs