A 35-year-old woman who has been in recovery from alcoholism for 2 years presents at her primary care physician's office with chronic hip pain. She reports that as part of her commitment to her recovery, she began exercising regularly about a year earlier. After a month or two, her hip began to hurt when she ran on the treadmill. She stretches, has had a physical trainer check her form to ensure that it is correct, and rests adequately between each workout. Six months ago, the pain began waking her at night, and now it is constant. She is not aware of any injury to her hip and has no other outward symptoms. Which of the following is most likely to be the cause of her pain?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms associated with osteonecrosis are varied and depend on the extent of infarction. Typically, subchondral infarcts cause chronic pain that is initially associated with activity, but that gradually becomes more progressive until it is experienced at rest. Osteonecrosis is a common complicating disorder of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, slipped capital epiphysis, sickle cell disease, steroid therapy, alcohol abuse, and hip trauma, fracture, or surgery. In adults, hematogenous osteomyelitis is seen most commonly in debilitated patients; in those with a history of chronic skin infections, chronic urinary tract infections, and intravenous drug use; and in those who are immunologically suppressed. Osteomyelitis with vascular insufficiency is characterized by local cellulitis with inflammation and necrosis. Local symptoms of tuberculosis of the bone include pain, immobility, and muscle atrophy; joint swelling, mild fever, and leukocytosis also may occur.

A 35-Year-Old Woman Who Has Been in Recovery from Alcoholism