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

**Authors:** Runze Zhou, Yixin Bian, Xuejie Cai, Hanyang Sun, Zehui Lv, Yiming Xu, Yingjie Wang, Han Wang, Wei Zhu, Bin Feng, Xisheng Weng

PMC · DOI: 10.1038/s41413-025-00477-2 · 2026-02-12

## TL;DR

This review explores the causes and recent discoveries about a bone disease caused by steroid use, aiming to improve prevention and treatment.

## Contribution

The paper integrates recent findings on the mechanisms and potential therapies for steroid-induced bone disease.

## Key findings

- SONFH is linked to genetic, blood supply, and metabolic factors.
- Recent studies examine tissue, cellular, and molecular aspects of the disease.
- New therapeutic strategies are being explored for better treatment options.

## Abstract

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.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** osteonecrosis of the femoral head (MESH:D000070603), immune-related and inflammatory diseases (MESH:D007154)
- **Chemicals:** Steroid (MESH:D013256)

## Figures

10 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12902040/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12902040