Abstract

Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the Knee, also known as Ahlback's disease is the result of vascular arterial insufficiency to the medial femoral condyle of the knee resulting in necrosis and destruction of bone. It is often unilateral and can be associated with a meniscal tear.

Signs and symptoms

The condition is usually characterized by a sudden onset of knee pain, worse at night. Examination reveals tenderness of the medial femoral condyle, joint effusion, and occasional locking of the knee joint.

Cause

It is more common in females over the age of 50 with possible risk factors of corticosteroid use, Lupus, alcoholism, pancreatitis, sickle cell anemia, and rheumatoid arthritis.