Corticosteroid-induced osteonecrosis of the humeral head.

Cortisone-induced osteonecrosis of the shoulder occurs in a fashion that is roughly similar to that seen in the hip. It appears that the cortisone itself is responsible for the lesion, and patients who develop the condition can have a minimal lesion that heals well, a moderate deformity that is well tolerated, or severe joint disease requiring surgical correction. A knowledge of the natural history of the condition allows for rational and generally successful therapy.