How much alcohol intake does it take to be at risk for Osteonecrosis?
Overall, 2% to 5% of alcohol abusers will develop ON. It is estimated that a total of 150 L of 100% alcohol at a rate of 400 mL/week (i.e., one pint/week) increases the risk 9.8-fold for developing ON.
The risk of ON increases with the amount of alcohol consumed weekly: 3-fold if <400 mL/week, 10-fold if 400 to 1000 mL/week, and 18-fold if >1000 mL/week. Susceptibility may be partly determined by genetics. Certain polymorphisms of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes may contribute to ON risk. Smoking also increases the risk.
