Levodopa attenuates cellular apoptosis in steroid-associated necrosis of the femoral head

Xi, Hongbo; Tao, Weijian; Jian, Zhengguang; Sun, Xuefeng; Gong, Xiaohong; Huang, Lixin; Dong, Tianhua

X-ray examination. In group A at the 6th week, dual-hip X-ray demonstrated a normal femoral head, whereas the bone density was less uniform, with cystic degeneration. At the 8th week, the femoral head exhibited partial collapse, the density of the majority of the femoral bone was uneven, with visible cystic degeneration or sclerotic bone, or 'crescent sign'. The joint space was normal or slightly narrowed, and the bone trabeculae was partially disrupted. In group B at the 6th week, dual-hip X-ray demonstrated a normal femoral head with uniform bone density, without sclerotic bone or cystic degeneration. At the 8th week, the majority of femoral heads exhibited a normal appearance without collapse; the bone density was evenly increased without cystic degeneration or 'crescent sign', and the joint space was normal. Group C exhibited a normal appearance (Fig. 1) .