It depends on the stage of osteonecrosis. If there is destruction bone visible on x-ray, there may be few options other than analgesics and possible joint replacement. If there is no evidence on bony collapse on plain x-ray but changes seen only on MRI scan, you may be a candidate for core decompression in which surgeons remove a section of bone. If you do not have a lot of bony changes on x-ray, now that you are off prednisone, the osteonecrosis may heal.
Osteonecrosis of the knees
April 23, 2007 By
Question
Hi, I’m 25years old, male and I’ve had Crohn’s disease since 1999. I have taken a lot of prednisone all these years and I have developed osteonecrosis of the knees. I’m suffering from it 4 years now and I can’t find a solution at least for the pain. Doctors that I have visited so far,are not helping at all. How can I relieve my knee pain, I need something drastic and not simple pain killers that do nothing. I have stopped taking prednisone 2 months now and my Crohn’s is in remission at the moment.
Answer
About Alan Matsumoto, M.D.
Part-time Faculty, Division of Rheumatology
Johns Hopkins University
