Avascular necrosis, often referred to as osteonecrosis, literally means, “dead bone.” This condition is a form of arthritis in which the ball of the hip joint, femoral head, is affected by avascular necrosis. This leads to the development of arthritis in the joint. Cells in the bone and bone marrow begin to die from a decrease in blood supply to the femoral head. This decrease in circulation causes the bone to weaken, die and finally collapse. Avascular necrosis most often occurs in younger and middle-aged adults and usually affects the large weight-bearing
joints of the hips and knees, but may also
affect the shoulders.
Hip joint with advanced avascular necrosis
Causes of avascular necrosis
Fractures and dislocations of the hip can produce avascular necrosis if the arteries that supply blood to this area are damaged. Avascular necrosis can also occur from blockage in blood vessels caused by sickle cell anemia, abnormal red blood cells and fat particles. Alcoholism and large doses of steroids are other factors that increase your risk of developing avascular necrosis.
Symptoms of avascular necrosis
In the earliest stage of avascular necrosis, there are usually no symptoms in the hip. However, as the condition progresses, pain in your hip joint becomes the most common symptom. After standing or walking, this pain becomes worse. The bone may even collapse if left untreated. This injures the cartilage of the hip joint and results in a progressive limitation of your hip motion due to arthritis.
Treatment of avascular necrosis
Treatment for pain associated with avascular necrosis may involve medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin and analgesics. However, hip surgery may be the best treatment option to help regain your quality of life, if non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful.
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