Nitrate patch prevents steroid-related bone necrosis

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is a common complication with disabling effect for young patients after high-dose corticosteroid treatment. We could show that steroids have a vasoconstrictive effect on lateral epiphyseal arteries of the femoral head which could lead to ischemia and subsequent necrosis. In this study we investigated the preventive effect of a nitrate patch on steroid-related bone necrosis in a rabbit model. J Orthop Res. 2011 Apr 5. doi: 10.1002/jor.21420. [Epub ahead of print] PDF