Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Contralateral Medial Tibial Plateau Following Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of Medial Femoral Condyle

Abstract

Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SPONK) is rare disease and most common in the medial femoral condyle. This condition presents with acute onset of pain in elderly patients, usually without a history of trauma. The exact etiology of SPONK is still debated. There are several options for the treatment according to the size, progression and site of the osteonecrosis. SPONK usually occurs in one knee. The spontaneous osteonecrosis of the medial tibial plateau is less recognized than osteonecrosis of the medial femoral condyle. And, in this case, SPONK in the medial tibial plateau of the contralateral knee followed SPONK in the medial femoral condyle, and bony destruction extended to the lateral aspect of the lateral tibial eminence from the medial tibial plateau. The best treatment has not yet been defined. This condition of the tibial side has been managed by total knee replacement resulting in a satisfactory outcome.