Singapore: A study organized by Korea's Health Insurance Service indicated that Korean men were more prone to osteonecrosis than their female counter parts. The research findings highlighted that men were 1.7 times more likely to develop the disease than women.

The research specified that 25,993 patients sought medical help for osteonecrosis in 2013. The disease that causes bone fragmentation, results from loss of blood supply to the bones. According to National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, excessive alcohol consumption accounted for large number of osteoporosis cases in Korea.

Dr Oh Hyun-chul, Ilsan hospital, said, "Though it is important for Koreans to avoid alcohol abuse, in many cases, we cannot do much to prevent the disease. Chronic diseases, such as cancer, liver diseases, renal diseases or arthritis may also increase one's chance of developing osteonecrosis."

He further added that injuries and bone marrow transplantation may also develop osteonecrosis. The disease, that causes severe pain and disability, can develop in any bone, including the thigh, upper arm, knee, shoulder or hip, he added.

The researchers concluded that though the condition cannot be completely cured, electrical stimulation, surgery, limiting activities and medicines can be used as effective treatment measures to control the disease.