Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

Can avascular necrosis be prevented?

Many cases of avascular necrosis cannot be prevented, as often the cause is unknown, but there are some recommendations to lower the risk: if at all possible, avoid high doses or long-term use of corticosteroids; avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and; for scuba divers, take extra care not to get decompression sickness ('the bends').

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is avascular necrosis?

Avascular necrosis is the name given to bone death, a condition that occurs when the blood supply to an area of bone is cut off, either temporarily or permanently.

What are the symptoms of avascular necrosis?

The most common symptom of avascular necrosis is pain in the hips, inner knee and thighs, especially when being active. Limping and pain in the groin while walking are also commonly reported.

What causes avascular necrosis?

Bones are living tissues, which are fed by blood vessels. Bone that is avascular (without blood) for long cannot survive, becomes brittle and eventually collapses, causing severe arthritis and dysfunction in the affected joint.

Who gets avascular necrosis?

Most people with avascular necrosis are first diagnosed with the condition between the ages of 30-50. There is a rare form of this condition, Perthes' disease, which affects children aged between 3-11 and tends to target the head of the femur.

How is avascular necrosis diagnosed?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect changes in the density and structure of bones. MRI is considered the best option for diagnosing avascular necrosis, as it can pick up on chemical changes in the bone marrow before any symptoms are felt.

How is avascular necrosis treated?

The treatment options depend on how early the condition is diagnosed - early intervention can avoid the need for surgery or joint replacement. Current treatment options include: exercise, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and electrical stimulation - to encourage …

Can avascular necrosis be cured?

There is no cure for avascular necrosis, but early diagnosis and intervention may help to avoid bone collapse and the need for bone grafts or joint replacement.

Is avascular necrosis serious?

Yes. Left untreated, many cases of avascular necrosis will lead to bone degeneration, bone collapse and disability. Range of movement within the nearby joint can be greatly reduced and debilitating arthritis is a common outcome.

What increases the chances of developing avascular necrosis?

A person's chances of developing avascular necrosis are increased by chronic alcohol consumption, deep-sea diving, long-term or high-dosage steroid use, previous bone fractures or dislocation and a number of other health …

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Perthes disease

Perthes’ disease (also known as Legg-Calve-Perthes’ disease) occurs in children when blood supply is disrupted to the top of the thighbone (femur), leading to pain and damage in the hip joint.…
Diseases & conditions

Septic arthritis

Septic arthritis is an infection of a joint, making it red, warm and painful. The condition requires immediate treatment, including high doses of antibiotics. If not treated promptly, it can cause permanent damage to the joint.…
Diseases & conditions

Hip fracture

A hip fracture is a serious and often painful condition that requires immediate medical attention. It commonly occurs in older people due to thin bones and a tendency for falls. Often surgery is needed to assist with recovery.…
Diseases & conditions

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the lining of joints, resulting in swelling, pain, stiffness and, over time, gradual joint damage. Fortunately, early treatment and appropriate physical activity can improve quality of life.…
Diseases & conditions

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage in synovial joints, usually in the hands, big toes, knees, hips and spine. As cartilage breaks down, bones in the joints rub against one another, causing pain, stiffness, swelling and bony spurs. Treatment options are available to help manage symptoms.…
Diseases & conditions

Bursitis

Bursitis is swelling and irritation of your bursa. Bursa are small sacs filled with synovial fluid that help reduce the friction when tendons or ligaments rub against other structures, such as bones, muscles and skin.…

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 10 Jul 2015
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Votes: 1049 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Perthes disease

×

Content goes in here.