The Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) developed classification for alcohol-associated osteonecrosis. The most frequent site affected is the femoral head.
Patient selection: osteonecrosis
Criteria for alcohol-associated osteonecrosis - all of the following:
(1) history of alcohol intake > 320 g per week (> 400 mL) of 100% ethanol for >= 6 months
(2) osteonecrosis within 1 year of meeting the alcohol intake criterion
(3) exclusion of alternative explanations for the osteonecrosis
where:
• A standard drink has about 14 grams of alcohol, so 320 grams is 22-23 standard drinks per week.
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