What is avascular necrosis?
Avascular Necrosis is a condition that occurs when the blood supply to the femoral head is compromised, causing part of the bone of the femoral head to die. Also called osteonecrosis, it can lead to tiny breaks in the bone and the bone’s eventual collapse. Dr. Austin Chen, orthopedic hip and sports medicine surgeon in Boulder, Colorado specializes in treating avascular necrosis.
What are the symptoms of avascular necrosis?
Many people have no symptoms in the early stages of avascular necrosis. As the condition worsens, your affected joint might hurt only when you put weight on it. Eventually, you might feel the pain even when you’re lying down. Pain can be mild or severe and usually develops gradually. Pain associated with avascular necrosis of the hip might center on the groin, thigh or buttock.
What are the risk factors for avascular necrosis?
- Ages 30-50
- broken bone or dislocated joint
- long-term use of high-dose steroid medications
- Alcohol and tobacco abuse
- Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes
What is the treatment for avascular necrosis?
Early diagnosed AVN, without femoral head collapse, may be treated with arthroscopic surgery. In more severe cases, a minimally-invasive hip replacement is the definitive treatment option.
