Researchers discover new genetic mutation linked to osteonecrosis of the hip

Osteonecrosis or ‘bone death’ of the femoral head is a disease caused by interruption of blood flow in the hip bone. Patients experience pain and the bone and surrounding joint collapse. Many patients are under the age of 25 when diagnosed. Researchers discovered a new genetic mutation that could lead to better treatment and help understand a much more common form of osteonecrosis of the femoral head — osteonecrosis induced by the use of steroids.