Concerned about Avascular Nacrosis

[Bulb20]

Hi How common is AVN in people on long term prednisolone for PMR & GCA thankyou for any reply’s

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Very uncommon. In all the years I have been on the forum I think I have heard of many 3 or 4 cases - but it can happen without pred as well. I have been on pred for over 13 years - no signs so far. There are other things to be concerned about - GCA itself for a start!

[anutycrixp]

Rare I think I,m only aware of it as my left shoulder was severely affected and subsequently underwent “total reverse shoulder replacement with bone grafts”. Last year.Took pred previously for just over 2 years.Had rt shoulder replaced same op few months ago but more due to “ rapid onset osteo arthritis. I was told that this is very rare and very unfortunate.. A relative has taken pred for over 20 years with no apparent problems, bit of a lottery I think !Also how do you prove that AVN was definitely caused by pred ?

[Brocade]

I'm afraid I'm not able to help. I was moved onto Prednisolone after 20 years on Hydrocortisone because I had both my adrenals removed. 2020 they diagnosed PMR with Milwaukee Shoulder and to stop the likelihood of additional problems when reducing my endocrinologist decided that as some people with my endocrine disease seemed to be managing on Prednisolone I should stay on it. Also I don't think I know what AVN is. When I turn the laptop on tomorrow I read up and see if I am any the wiser. Sorry. X