What Is Avascular Necrosis?: Avascular necrosis is a condition that occurs when there is death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. This leads to multiple breaks in the bone and the eventual collapse of the affected bone. The most common location of avascular necrosis is the top of the thigh bone, or femur (where it meets the hip joint).
What Causes Avascular Necrosis?: Avascular necrosis is often a result of bone trauma, such as a break in the bone or a dislocation. Other common causes of avascular necrosis include steroid use and heavy drinking. Sickle cell anemia and lupus are two medical conditions associated with avascular necrosis.
Symptoms of Avascular Necrosis: Symptoms of avascular necrosis include pain and loss of motion at the affected joint. Occasionally no symptoms are experienced, and the disorder is discovered during routine x-ray imaging.
Treatment : Treatment of avascular necrosis can include medical and surgical options. Physical therapy’s role in treating avascular necrosis focuses on exercises to maintain joint movement and electrical stimulation to stimulate new bone growth.
Sources:
Aldridge JM, Urbaniak JR. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head: etiology, pathophysiology, classification, and current treatment guidelines. Am J Orthop. Jul 2004;33(7):327-32
Bachiller FG, Caballer AP, Portal LF. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head after femoral neck fracture. Clin Orthop Relat Res. Jun 2002;87-109
