Exploring Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Symptoms Causes, and Treatment

What is avascular necrosis?

Avascular necrosis (AVN), also known as osteonecrosis, is a condition where bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. Without blood, the bone tissues break down and the bone can collapse. This condition often affects the ends of long bones such as the femur, leading to joint pain and potential arthritis.

Avascular necrosis causes range from injury to certain medical conditions such as steroid use, excessive alcohol consumption, and blood disorders. Avascular necrosis symptoms include pain and limited range of motion. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent serious joint damage and improve the results of drugs, treatments, or surgery.

How common is avascular necrosis?

In India, about 16,000 new cases of avascular necrosis (AVN) are recorded every year. Globally, it affects about 10,000 to 20,000 new cases per year. The prevalence is increasing due to the increase in risk factors such as the use of steroids and the consumption of alcohol.

Where does avascular necrosis develop?

Although avascular necrosis causes bone tissue problems in all joints, the hip is most commonly affected.

Other joints that may develop avascular necrosis include:

• Ankles
• Jaw
• Knees
• Upper Arm (humerus) and shoulders

What causes avascular necrosis?

Avascular necrosis causes bone tissue to die due to insufficient blood supply.

• The most common avascular necrosis causes include traumatic injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, which can damage blood vessels.
• Non-traumatic avascular necrosis causes includes a prolonged use of high-dose steroids and excessive alcohol consumption, can cause a fatty deposits to build up in the blood vessels, restricting blood flow.
• Medical conditions like sickle cell disease, lupus, and blood clotting disorders also contribute to avascular necrosis.
• Additionally, certain treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy can also damage blood vessels, resulting avascular necrosis. Early diagnosis is essential to manage and prevent further bone damage.

What bone fractures cause traumatic avascular necrosis?

Traumatic avascular necrosis can occur following a hip bone fracture or joint dislocation. For example, about 20% of the individuals who dislocate their hips develop avascular necrosis.

What medical conditions or problems cause nontraumatic avascular necrosis?

Nontraumatic avascular necrosis is caused from diseases or medical conditions that obstructs blood flow to the bone tissue. These conditions includes osteoporosis, blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia, diabetes, cancer treatments such as radiation therapy, decompression sickness in divers, HIV, lupus, and organ transplants.

What lifestyle activities increase the risk of developing avascular necrosis?

Your lifestyle choices have a significant impact on the likelihood of developing avascular necrosis.

High-risk behaviours include:

• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Smoking
• Prolonged use of corticosteroids (like Prednisone)

What are the symptoms of avascular necrosis?

Symptoms of avascular necrosis are usually includes joint pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities and decreases with rest. The pain may be mild at first, but may develop into severe discomfort as the condition progresses.

Other symptoms of avascular necrosis include limited exercise range, stiffness and joint collapse. The affected areas are hips, shoulders, knees and ankle joints.

If left untreated, avascular necrosis will cause normal destruction and require a common replacement surgery.

How is avascular necrosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis for avascular necrosis involves multiple steps:

• Assessment of symptoms by a healthcare provider
• Physical examination
• X-rays to detect fractures and signs of arthritis
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

These diagnostic tests help in capturing precise images showing any damage or changes in your bones.

How do healthcare professionals treat avascular necrosis?

Avascular necrosis treatment depends on the extent of damage to your bones.

For smaller bones that don't bear weight, potential treatments include:

• Cold packs
• Heat Treatment
• Rest
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Physical Therapy to ease joint tenderness and increase range of motion
• Using walking aids such as canes and crutches

For more advanced forms of avascular necrosis, surgery is usually necessary.

What is the treatment for more advanced forms of avascular necrosis?

Advanced forms of avascular necrosis typically require surgical intervention.

The surgical options commonly include:

• Core Decompression: Your surgeon drill small holes in the affected bones to improve blood flow. This procedure may be combined with injections or bone grafts to promote healing.
• Joint Replacement: Damaged joints are replaced with artificial joints. Hip and knee replacements have been shown to be 95% effective in relieving pain and restoring mobility in patients with avascular necrosis.

How can I prevent avascular necrosis?

While avascular necrosis causes cannot always be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Quit smoking
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Monitor your cholesterol levels
• If you are taking corticosteroids for a chronic condition, consult with your healthcare provider about reducing the doseage.

Is there a cure for avascular necrosis?

Avascular necrosis cannot be completely cured, but early intervention can slow its progression. Avascular necrosis treatments includes medications, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and surgical options such as core decompression or joint replacement. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to maintain joint function and reduce pain.

When to see a doctor?

Visit a doctor for avascular necrosis if you have persistent joint pain, especially if it worsens with weight-bearing activities. Early diagnosis is crucial, so see a doctor if you notice stiffness, limited mobility, or unusual discomfort in your joints to prevent further damage.

Conclusion

Understanding avascular necrosis empowers you with the knowledge needed to make informed health decisions. While this condition can significantly impact one's quality of life, it is crucial to remember that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can delay its progression.

If you're noticing symptoms linked to avascular necrosis or you're at risk due to lifestyle factors or underlying health conditions, consider availing Metropolis Healthcare’s diagnostic services. Known for their accurate pathology testing and health check-up services, Metropolis' qualified technicians make at-home visits for blood sample collection ensuring comfort and convenience for patients.