Bone Disease

Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis)

Avascular necrosis, also called osteonecrosis, is bone death caused by reduced blood flow to the bone. When blood doesn't reach bone tissue, the bone begins to die and may eventually collapse. The hip is the most commonly affected joint, but avascular necrosis can also occur in the knee, shoulder, ankle, and wrist.

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Symptoms

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Causes

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Treatments

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Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis). This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

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Symptoms

  • Pain in the joint that may be mild at first and progressively worsens
  • Pain only when putting weight on the affected joint
  • Limited range of motion
  • Groin pain spreading to knee or buttock
  • Limping (if hip or knee affected)

Causes

  • Trauma or injury to the joint
  • Long-term use of high-dose corticosteroids
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Blood disorders such as sickle cell disease
  • Cancer treatments (radiation therapy)
  • HIV/AIDS treatment medications

Diagnosis

  • X-rays
  • MRI (most sensitive early diagnostic tool)
  • CT scan
  • Bone scan
  • Biopsy

Treatment

  • Medications to relieve pain and prevent bone loss
  • Physical therapy
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Core decompression surgery
  • Bone grafting
  • Osteotomy
  • Joint replacement

Risk Factors

  • Corticosteroid use
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Bisphosphonate medications
  • Medical conditions: sickle cell, lupus, Gaucher disease
  • HIV/AIDS

Prevention

  • Limit alcohol
  • Monitor and limit corticosteroid use
  • Control cholesterol levels
  • Keep blood pressure under control

Prevalence

Approximately 10,000 to 20,000 new cases occur each year in the United States.