Genetic Studies in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a complex, polygenic, or multifactorial disease which is caused by a number of genetic factors of relatively smaller effects and environmental factors. Diverse conditions have been implicated in the development of ONFH. There are several well-accepted common associations: corticosteroid use [1], alcohol abuse [2], systemic lupus erythematosus [3], Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease [4], sickle cell disease [5], radiation [6], cytotoxic agents [7], Gaucher disease [8], dysbarism [9], human immunodeficiency virus [10], hyperlipidemia [11], pancreatitis [12], and gout [13]. Idiopathic ONFH can be defined only when there are no associated factors identified.