ObjectiveTo establish an rabbit model of early steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH) and evaluate its validity with MRI and pathological examination. MethodsTwenty 6-month-old rabbits (weighing, 2-3 kg) were randomly divided into 2 groups (control group and model group), 10 rabbits in each group. Dexamethasone sodium phosphate solution (10 mg/kg) was injected into bilateral gluteus in model group, and the same amount of saline was injected in control group, every 3 days for 14 times. General observation was done after modelling. Osteonecrosis was verified by pathological observation and MRI findings at 6 weeks. ResultsAfter 6 weeks, rabbits did not show obvious changes in control group; increased hair removal, decreased food intake, and slight limp were observed in model group. The MRI results showed normal shape of the bilateral femoral head and no abnormal signals in control group; irregular shape of the bilateral femoral head and a slice of irregular abnormal signals were observed, and necrosis and cystolization of the subchondral bone and sparse changes of trabecular bone were shown in model group. General observation from coronal section of femoral head showed smooth red cartilage surface in control group; on the contrary, the cartilage surface of the femoral head became dull, thin even visible hemorrhage under articular cartilage and necrosis of the femoral head were observed. The histopathological examination indicated that trabecular bone of the femoral head in control group was massive, thick, and close, and osteocytes in the bone lacunae had normal shapes. The osseous trabecular became thinner and broken; karyopyknosis of osteocytes and bone empty lacunae could be obviously seen in model group. The rates of empty lacunae were 8.0%±0.5% in control group and 49.0%±0.3% in model group, showing significant difference (t=21.940, P=0.000). ConclusionEstablishing a model of early SANFH through injecting shortterm, shock, and high dose of dexamethasone, and it can been evaluated effectively with MRI and pathological examination.