Aseptic necrosis of bone. An historic perspective.

The history of aseptic bone necrosis includes important contributions by Hunter, Russell, Goodsir, Paget, König, Axhausen, Phemister, and Chandler. Only after Pasteur discovered bacteria in abscesses could a nonbacterial or aseptic necrosis be conceptualized. Techniques and information gained from the study of bone grafts led to important steps in the recognition of aseptic necrosis. The use of the X-ray and careful pathologic correlation enabled a wide group of radiographically distinct lesions to be recognized as bone necroses. Although many identifiable diseases can underlie aseptic necrosis, the cause of most cases is unknown.