What is Avascular Necrosis?

What Causes Avascular Necrosis?

When blood flow to a bone decreases, bone cells lose their nutrition and die. Long-term high-dose corticosteroid use, excessive alcohol intake, hip dislocation or fracture, certain blood disorders and decompression sickness are the main risk factors. In some patients no clear cause is found.

Symptoms

• Hip pain radiating to the groin and the front of the thigh
• Pain at first with weight bearing, later also at rest
• Restricted hip movement, especially internal rotation
• Limping in advanced stages

Frequently Asked Questions

What can be done if it is caught early?

Early stages that are not yet visible on X-ray can be detected with MRI. Before the bone collapses, joint-preserving options such as reduced loading, control of risk factors and core decompression to lower pressure inside the bone may be used. Once the joint surface has collapsed, hip replacement is considered.