aseptic bone necrosis, a bone condition that results from poor blood supply to an area of bone, causing localized bone death. The dead areas of bone are weakened and can collapse. It may occur in patients taking corticosteroids. Typical bones affected by steroids include the femur bone of the hip, the humerus bone of the shoulder, and the tibia bone of the knee, sometimes in combinations and frequently affecting both sides of the body (bilateral). The condition may be asymptomatic or, if joint surfaces are involved, marked by severe pain and joint collapse. It may also be associated with an injury to the joint. Also called avascular necrosis, osteonecrosis.
