
The main reason people need a joint replacement is from osteoarthritis, but there are other joint conditions that may require surgical attention, including one called avascular necrosis. While this condition is much rarer than arthritis, it is a serious condition that should be medically treated.
Avascular necrosis, or otherwise known as osteonecrosis, is a condition in which bone tissue dies from a lack of blood supply. When tissue dies, there is nothing to replace or back it up, so the bones begin to develop tiny breaks in the bone. Eventually, the bone collapses and can be very painful.
Avascular necrosis (AVN) usually develops in the hip joint, since the hip area is where most of your weight is concentrated and it does not have a good backup supply of blood vessels. This makes it harder for your hip to withstand pressure from weight. However, AVN can affect any joint in the body.
Anyone can be affected by AVN, but it is most common for people between the ages of 30 and 60. Some of the main reasons AVN develops are as follows:
Avascular necrosis can be difficult to discover because it shows no symptoms in its early stages.
As AVN gets worse, these are the stages of pain you will begin to feel:
The goal of AVN treatment is to prevent further bone loss and reduce pain. The best ways to treat it are through medications and physical therapy. Some drugs that treat osteoporosis and that lower cholesterol can also treat AVN.
End-stage AVN, however, may only respond with surgery. If you are at risk of total bone collapse, your doctor may recommend a bone graft or an osteotomy. If your hip joint has collapsed, you will likely need a hip replacement.
Think you may have avascular necrosis? Please contact our office to schedule a consultation. Our surgeons treat patients with AVN often and want to serve in any way they can.