Avascular necrosis (AVN), often called osteonecrosis, is a disorder in which the bone loses its blood supply, causing the bone tissue to deteriorate and die. The hip joint is the most typical location for this illness, while it can affect any bone in the body.

Many things, such as trauma, long-term steroid usage, alcoholism, sickle cell anaemia, radiation therapy, and other medical diseases, might result in a loss of blood supply. When left untreated, AVN can be excruciatingly painful and, in extreme circumstances, result in arthritis and bone collapse.

Depending on the seriousness of the illness, several treatment options are available, such as physical therapy, joint replacement surgery, bone grafting, and drugs to control pain and inflammation. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to stop further harm to the afflicted bone.

Affected joints may experience discomfort, stiffness, and a restricted range of motion as AVN symptoms. Based on the condition’s stage and the place of the damaged bone. There could be absolutely no symptoms in the early stages.

The main symptoms of AVN could appear as follows:

• The damaged bone or joint may experience mild to severe pain, worsening with activity or weight-bearing.

• The inability to move the afflicted joint through its entire range of motion is due to stiffness.

• The affected joint’s range of motion may be reduced by pain or stiffness.

• A limp or changed stride may be brought on by discomfort in the afflicted joint or difficulties moving it.

• The damaged joint may make popping or cracking noises, which could result from changes in the bone’s structure.

• Muscular atrophy or weakness in the affected limb may be brought on by pain or decreased limb usage.

It’s crucial to see a medical practitioner for a precise diagnosis because these symptoms may potentially be a sign of other illnesses. Early diagnosis and treatment can increase the likelihood of a full recovery by limiting future harm to the damaged bone.

Causes for Avascular Necrosis

A lack of blood flow to the bone causes a condition known as avascular necrosis (AVN), which results in the death of bone tissue. This reduction in blood supply may be caused by several reasons, including:

Trauma: A joint fracture or dislocation can harm the blood vessels in the area, cutting off the blood supply to the bone.

Long-term use of steroids: Long-term steroid use can affect the body’s ability to maintain healthy blood vessels and bone tissue, which raises the risk of AVN.

Abuse of alcohol: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can harm blood vessels and limit blood flow to the bones, which increases the risk of AVN.

Medical diseases: By causing damage to blood vessels and obstructing blood flow, some medical illnesses, such as sickle cell anaemia, lupus, and HIV/AIDS, might raise the risk of AVN.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy increases the risk of AVN by reducing blood supply to the bones and harming adjacent blood vessels.

Surgery on the joints or bones: Surgery on the joints or bones can harm the blood vessels nearby, raising the risk of AVN.

Idiopathic: In certain instances, AVN’s underlying cause is not known.

Anyone can develop AVN, but people between the ages of 30 and 60 and those with certain risk factors, such as a history of trauma, steroid use, or alcohol misuse, are more likely to do so.

Treatment for Avascular Necrosis 

Surgical intervention may be required to relieve discomfort, enhance function, and stop future harm to the afflicted bone in severe AVN. Depending on the location and severity of the damage, surgical procedures may include core decompression, bone grafting, osteotomy (bone reshaping), joint replacement, or joint fusion.

A mix of conservative and surgical therapies may be used to control AVN. Working closely with a healthcare professional will help you choose the best course of action, depending on your situation.

The stage and location of the damaged bone, the ailment’s underlying aetiology, and the symptoms’ severity are some of the variables that determine how avascular necrosis (AVN) is treated.

The management of AVN may occasionally combine conservative and surgical approaches. Working closely with a healthcare practitioner is crucial, depending on each patient’s unique situation.

Measures to control avascular necrosis (AVN) symptoms and preserve the damaged bone:

• Avoid movements like sprinting or jumping that place too much stress on the injured joint.
• To decrease the strain on the injured joint, maintain a healthy weight.
• Stop smoking since it can impede healing by reducing blood supply to the bones.
• To minimise weight-bearing on the injured joint, use assistive aids like crutches or a cane.
• Exercises with low impacts, like swimming or biking, can help to keep the affected joint’s strength and flexibility.
• Follow your doctor’s suggested course of treatment, including any prescription drugs or physical therapy exercises.
• Be aware of any new or worse symptoms, such as increasing pain or restricted range of motion, and notify your healthcare physician immediately.

By adopting these safety measures, you can manage your symptoms and stop the damaged bone from suffering additional harm. Working closely with your healthcare practitioner will help you create a personalised treatment plan that fits your needs and way of life.

Dr Anjani Kumar has 20 years of experience and successfully performed 2000 knee replacement surgeries, 350 hip replacement surgeries, and 500 pelvic acetabular surgeries throughout his career. 

E-mail: anjanikumar@ gmail.com

Dr Anjani Kumar is an orthopaedic specialist in Kukatpally Hyderabad for ligament injuries, pelvic acetabular fractures treatment, and knee and hip surgeries in Telangana and AP. He is the best Knee Surgeon in Kukatpally Hyderabad, Kadapa and Anantapur. Restore your hip joints and knee function with replacement or revision surgery in Kukatpally, Kadapa and Anantapur.

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