Final answer:
A patient with SLE on chronic steroids presenting with hip pain may be suspected of osteonecrosis. Testing would typically involve imaging studies like x-rays and more sensitive MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The patient in question, with a history of chronic steroid use due to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and now presenting with hip pain might be suspected to have osteonecrosis (also known as avascular necrosis). This condition is known to be associated with long-term steroid use and can lead to the death of bone tissue due to the lack of blood supply.
To confirm the diagnosis, imaging tests are required. An initial X-ray may be helpful, but it is not always sensitive enough to detect early changes of osteonecrosis. Thus, an MRI scan, which is more sensitive, can be used to detect the condition at an earlier stage. The final diagnosis is often made based on the combination of a patient's medical history, clinical examination, and results from imaging studies.