Non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head represents a significant clinical problem. Chondral collapse occurs in up to 80% of the untreated cases resulting in bone destruction, pain and loss of joint function and prosthetic hip replacement at an early age is needed. The pathogenesis of the disease is likely multifactorial and several etiologic factors are known to be associated with it: alcohol intake, smoking, corticosteroid use, impaired hemostasis and lipid metabolism, and the presence of certain polymorphisms. However, a significant number are described, as idiopathic and do not present any risk factor. Recent studies in steroid-induced ONF animal models suggest that oxidative stress could be involved in the development of the disease. These studies show that the administration of pro-oxidant substances increase the risk of disease and antioxidants administration might prevent the development thereof.

Non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head represents a significant clinical problem. Chondral collapse occurs in up to 80% of the untreated cases resulting in bone destruction, pain and loss of joint function and prosthetic hip replacement at an early age is needed. The pathogenesis of the disease is likely multifactorial and several etiologic factors are known to be associated with it: alcohol intake, smoking, corticosteroid use, impaired hemostasis and lipid metabolism, and the presence of certain polymorphisms. However, a significant number are described, as idiopathic and do not present any risk factor. Recent studies in steroid-induced ONF animal models suggest that oxidative stress could be involved in the development of the disease. These studies show that the administration of pro-oxidant substances increase the risk of disease and antioxidants administration might prevent the development thereof.