What type of osteonecrosis is specifically associated with long-term steroid use?

The correct response is associated with hip osteonecrosis, which is often linked to prolonged use of corticosteroids. Long-term steroid therapy can compromise the blood supply to the femoral head, leading to ischemia and subsequent cellular death, resulting in osteonecrosis. This condition primarily affects the hip joint as it bears the weight and undergoes significant stress, making it more susceptible to the effects of compromised blood flow.

Other types of osteonecrosis, while they may be influenced by different factors or conditions, do not have the same strong correlation with steroid use as hip osteonecrosis does. For instance, jaw osteonecrosis is more commonly associated with bisphosphonate therapy rather than steroids, and pelvic and vertebral osteonecrosis have less direct evidence linking them specifically to long-term corticosteroid exposure compared to the hip. The unique vulnerability of the femoral head to blood supply disruptions from steroids highlights the significance of monitoring this type of osteonecrosis in patients undergoing steroid therapy.