bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Osteonecrosis
Prevention of Osteonecrosis
To minimize the risk of osteonecrosis caused by corticosteroids, doctors use these medications only when essential, prescribe them in as low a dose as needed, and prescribe them for as short a duration as possible. To prevent osteonecrosis caused by decompression sickness, people should follow accepted rules for decompression during diving and when working in pressurized environments (see Prevention and Excessive alcohol use and smoking should be avoided. Various medications (such as those that prevent blood clots, dilate blood vessels, or lower lipid levels) are being evaluated for prevention of osteonecrosis in people at high risk. 