Osteonecrosis of the Humeral Head Wheeless

Description: Co-authors: Milford H. Marchant Jr., M.D., Allston Stubbs, M.D., Carl J. Basamania, M.D. March 15, 2005
Background:
- Definition: In situ death of bone within the humeral head due to disruption of blood supply
- Other Names: Avascular Necrosis or Aseptic Necrosis
- Initially described in the Humeral Head in 1960 by Heimann and Freiberger (NEJM)
- 2nd Most common site of Osteonecrosis (Femoral Head = 1st)
- Knowledge based largely on extrapolated data from the Femoral Head
- Similar Etiology - Different Disease
- Non-Weight Bearing Joint
- Greater Vascular Watershed
- Functional capacity of shoulder is more forgiving
- Glenohumeral Joint is Less Constrained
- Progressive Osteoarthritis of Glenohumeral Joint (5%)