Mnemonics for the causes of osteonecrosis (previously known as avascular necrosis):
STARS
PLASTIC RAGS
ASEPTIC
Mnemonics
STARS
Most common causes:
S: steroids, SLE
T: trauma (e.g. femoral neck fracture, hip dislocation, scaphoid fracture, slipped capital femoral epiphysis 2)
A: alcohol excess (chronic)
R: radiation, rheumatoid arthritis, renal failure
PLASTIC RAGS
P: pancreatitis, pregnancy
L: lupus (SLE)
A: alcohol excess (chronic)
S: steroids
T: trauma
I: idiopathic, infection
C: caisson disease, collagen vascular disease
ASEPTIC
A: alcohol excess (chronic)
E: exogenous steroid
P: pancreatitis
T: trauma
I: infection