Avascular necrosis

Avascular necrosis is death of bone tissue due to interruption of the blood supply. Risk factors include bone fractures, joint dislocations, alcoholism, and the use of high-dose steroids. The most commonly affected bone is the femur. About 15,000 cases occur per year in the United States.

About Avascular necrosis in brief

Summary Avascular necrosisAvascular necrosis is death of bone tissue due to interruption of the blood supply. Risk factors include bone fractures, joint dislocations, alcoholism, and the use of high-dose steroids. The most commonly affected bone is the femur. Diagnosis is typically by medical imaging such as X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. Treatments may include medication, not walking on the affected leg, stretching, and surgery. Most of the time surgery is eventually required and may include core decompression, osteotomy, bone grafts, or joint replacement. About 15,000 cases occur per year in the United States. People 30 to 50 years old are most commonly Affected. Males are more commonly affected than females. In many cases, there is pain and discomfort in a joint which increases over time.

The intravertebral vacuum cleft sign is a sign of avascular necrotic disease. Avascular necritis of the vertebral body is known as Kümmel’s disease. Another form of AVN is Köhler’s disease, which affects the navicular bone of the foot, primarily in children. A variety of methods may be used to treat the most common being the total hip replacement. However, THRs have a number of downsides including long recovery times and long times and recovery from the surgery. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. In the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255.