Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis (AVN), aseptic necrosis, or bone infarction, is a condition where bone tissue dies because it does not get enough blood supply. When blood flow to a section of bone is reduced or cut off, the bone cells begin to die. Over time, this can cause the bone to weaken and eventually collapse, especially near joints. The most commonly affected area is the hip, but osteonecrosis can also occur in the knee, shoulder, ankle, and wrist. Symptoms often start with joint pain that may be mild at first but gradually worsens over weeks or months. In the early stages, you might only feel pain when putting weight on the affected joint. As the condition progresses, pain can occur even at rest, and the joint may become stiff and lose its range of motion. If the bone collapses, the pain can become severe and disabling. Osteonecrosis can be caused by many factors, including long-term use of corticosteroid medications, excessive alcohol use, trauma or fractures, sickle cell disease, and certain autoimmune conditions. In some cases, no clear cause is found, which is called idiopathic osteonecrosis. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease and ranges from medications and physical therapy in early stages to surgical options such as core decompression, bone grafting, or joint replacement in advanced cases. Early detection and treatment are important to preserve the joint and prevent further bone damage.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What stage is my osteonecrosis, and what does that mean for my treatment options?,What caused my osteonecrosis, and can we address the underlying cause to prevent it from getting worse?,Am I a candidate for joint-preserving surgery like core decompression, or will I likely need a joint replacement?,Are there medications that could slow down the progression of my bone damage?,How often should I have imaging done to monitor the condition?,What activities should I avoid, and what exercises are safe for me?,Are my other joints at risk for developing osteonecrosis too?

Common questions about Osteonecrosis

Related conditions

Other rare diseases commonly researched alongside Osteonecrosis.

• Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease→
• Osteochondritis dissecans→