[PURPOSE] Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head caused by decompression sickness has been frequently reported, however, there have been few reports on that of the humeral head caused by decompression sickness. In this paper, we wish to present clinical and radiological evaluations of aseptic necrosis of the humeral head.
[MATERIALS & METHODS] Eight shoulders of five patients with aseptic necrosis of the humeral head caused by decompression sickness were reviewed. The average age of the patients was 48years, with a range of 27 to 60 years. All were male. The roentgenograms (A-P view) of all the shoulders were observed and classified. The range of motion of the shoulder, degree of pain and disturbance in daily living were evaluated with the J. O. A. score.
[RESULTS] 1) On the roentgenograms, spherical segmental opacity of the humeral head without changes of the joint surface was found in four shoulders. Sequestration of the cortex was found in one. Osteoarthritic change was found in three.2) The J. O. A. score ranged from 48 to 98 points with an average of 78. Most of the patients had moderate pain. The disturbance in daily living and that of range of motion were not severe.
