Level D· Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studiesNarrative ReviewEurope PMCOpen access

Advances in the mechanism for steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Zhou R., Bian Y., Cai X., Sun H., Lv Z., Xu Y.

Narrative Review on Hip, published in Bone Res (2026) — summary generated from the PubMed abstract.

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Level D· Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studiesEvidence level of this study

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

  • Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
  • Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
  • Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
  • Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
  • Emerging · Emerging topic under active research
Read the A–D evidence level guide

This page is generated from the PubMed record. The Thai description is an automated summary of bibliographic fields and the abstract, not a full translation, and is not medical advice.

Study type
Narrative Review
Journal
Bone Res (2026)
Reported sample size
—
Source database
Europe PMC
PMID
41680130
PMCID
PMC12902040
DOI
10.1038/s41413-025-00477-2
Citations
2

Abstract (original English)

Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is a debilitating condition resulting from the use of glucocorticoids, commonly prescribed for immune-related and inflammatory diseases. Understanding the mechanisms driving SONFH remains a significant challenge, complicating efforts to prevent and treat the condition. While genetic predispositions, impaired blood supply, and metabolic changes are recognized contributors, the complex interplay between these factors is not yet fully understood. Recent research has shed light on the pathogenesis of SONFH, exploring it from multiple perspectives, including tissue-level damage, cellular dysfunction, and molecular pathways. This review summarizes these recent advancements, providing an integrated understanding of the onset and progression of the condition. Additionally, it highlights emerging therapeutic strategies that potentially pave the way for more effective treatments in the future.

What this study does not prove

  • • This study does not prove SVF is an approved treatment or a replacement for standard care.
  • • This is a narrative review: it collects no new patient data and does not systematically appraise evidence quality.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

How we grade evidence
Femur HeadAnimalsHumansFemur Head NecrosisSteroidsGlucocorticoids

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