The incidence of alcohol-associated osteonecrosis of the knee is lower than the incidence of steroid-associated osteonecrosis of the knee: an MRI study

Objective. The purpose of the study was to clarify the incidence of alcohol-associated osteonecrosis of the knee using MRI. Methods. A total of 131 patients (56 women and 75 men) with osteonecrosis of the femoral head were enrolled; 60 patients had a history of alcohol abuse and 71 had previously received steroids. All patients underwent MRI of the knee. The incidence of alcohol-associated osteonecrosis of the knee was compared with that of steroid-associated osteonecrosis of the knee. Predictive factors of alcohol- and steroid-associated osteonecrosis of the knee were also evaluated. Results. The incidence of alcohol-associated osteonecrosis of the knee was lower than that of steroid-associated osteonecrosis of the knee (18.3 vs 54.9%; P < 0.001, Fisher's exact probability test). No significant difference in weekly alcohol consumption was observed between patients with osteonecrosis of the knee and those without osteonecrosis of the knee. No significant difference in daily maximum steroid doses was observed between patients with osteonecrosis of the knee and those without osteonecrosis of the knee. Conclusion. The present study revealed that the incidence of alcohol-associated osteonecrosis of the knee is lower than that of steroid-associated osteonecrosis of the knee.