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Review
. 2012 Sep;41(3):595-611.
doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2012.04.004. Epub 2012 May 23.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and osteonecrosis

Affiliations
Review

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and osteonecrosis

Robert S Weinstein. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2012 Sep.

Abstract

Glucocorticoid administration is the most common cause of secondary osteoporosis and the leading cause of nontraumatic osteonecrosis. In patients receiving long-term therapy, glucocorticoids induce fractures in 30% to 50% and osteonecrosis in 9% to 40%. This article reviews glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and osteonecrosis, addressing the risk factors, pathogenesis, evaluation, treatment, and uncertainties in the clinical management of these disorders.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author has no potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Glucocorticoid Excess Causes Osteoporosis and Osteonecrosis by Direct Effects on Bone Cells.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Osteocyte Apoptosis in Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Hip. Femoral head specimen taken from a patient with glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis during hip replacement. Apoptotic osteocytes (arrows) and lining cells (arrowheads) are stained brown by in situ end labeling (x200).

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