The Orthobullets Podcast Knee & Sports | Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee (SONK)
Jul 17, 2025
Dive into the intriguing world of Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee! Discover its causes, symptoms, and how it’s diagnosed. Unpack the various treatment options and the chances of self-resolution. The discussion also highlights potential complications, offering a comprehensive look at this unique orthopedic condition. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of knee health!
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SONK Overview and Treatment
- Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) is an idiopathic condition mostly affecting the medial femoral condyle.
- It often requires MRI for diagnosis and is usually treated non-operatively as it tends to be self-limiting.
Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of SONK
- SONK primarily affects middle-aged and elderly females over 55 years old.
- The pathophysiology likely involves subchondral insufficiency fractures or meniscal root tears causing the lesion.
Presentation and Imaging of SONK
- Symptoms include sudden severe knee pain, effusion, limited range of motion, and medial femoral condyle tenderness.
- MRI is the best imaging to confirm diagnosis and assess disease extent, showing a crescent-shaped lesion.