Coagulation abnormalities in patients with hip osteonecrosis.

The relatively high frequency of coagulation abnormalities in patients with hip osteonecrosis might represent increased risk factors for the development of bone necrosis by predisposing these patients to thromboembolic phenomena. The recognition of this association may increase as more patients with osteonecrotic lesions are tested for haemostatic abnormalities. Early diagnosis of hypercoagulability in the group of patients at risk may allow pharmacologic intervention that may prevent this devastating process from developing.