Avascular necrosis is a disorder that occurs when a bone’s blood supply is cut off permanently or temporarily. The bone collapses when it does not receive sufficient blood to function. The joint surface may collapse if avascular necrosis develops close to a joint. This illness can affect any bone in the body. However, it generally affects the hips. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and management options of avascular necrosis.

What is avascular necrosis?
Avascular necrosis is a painful bone condition that can limit movement and may worsen over time. It occurs when something interrupts the blood supply to one of the bones. Some causes of avascular necrosis include broken bones, dislocated hips, and radiation treatment. Most patients require surgery, sometimes even a joint replacement, to alleviate pain and increase mobility.

What are the signs and symptoms of avascular necrosis?
It could take weeks or months to notice the symptoms of avascular necrosis. Here are several signs and symptoms of the condition that may appear gradually:
Pain comes and goes in waves when one applies and then relieves pressure on the bone
Stiff joints and developing aches
Standing, walking, or ascending stairs takes a lot of work

What are the possible causes of avascular necrosis?
Avascular necrosis happens when a bone’s blood supply is compromised or diminished. For example, blood flow may be reduced as a result of:

Injuries to the bones or joints
A wound, such as a dislocated joint, could cause damage to the blood vessels in the area. In addition, cancer therapies that use radiation can damage blood vessels and weaken bones.

Fatty accumulation in blood vessel walls
Fat lipids can clog small blood vessels. This may reduce blood flow to the bones.

Various ailments
Gaucher’s disease and sickle cell anemia are two conditions that can cause a decrease in blood supply to the bones.

The actual cause of avascular necrosis not caused by trauma is not always known. Genetics, heavy ethanol consumption, certain prescription treatments, and other disorders are factors that may lead to the development of avascular necrosis. In addition, diseases or bone fractures that cut off blood supply to bone tissue cause avascular necrosis. Unfortunately, 20% of avascular necrosis patients have no known cause.

The following are some of the known causes of avascular necrosis:
Traumatic avascular necrosis may develop if a bone or joint is damaged.
Non-traumatic avascular necrosis occurs when a disease or another health condition prevents blood from reaching bone tissue. Non-traumatic avascular necrosis typically affects the same bones on both sides of the body. A person’s age, overall health, and symptoms will impact the treatment.

How is avascular necrosis diagnosed?
In addition to a thorough medical history and physical examination, one may undergo one or more of the following tests for diagnosing the condition:

X-ray
An X-ray is an imaging test that uses energy beams to create images of interior organs, bones, and tissues.

CT Scans
Using X-rays and a computer, this imaging technique provides exact images of the inside of the body. A CT scan in great detail shows the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.

MRI
This test uses large magnets, radio waves, and computers to create visuals of the body’s organs and systems.

A bone scan
This imaging technique employs only a trace amount of radioactive material. A tracer is inserted into the bloodstream so that a scanner may detect it. This test detects bone cell activity and blood flow.

Biopsy
The healthcare practitioner harvests tissue samples with a needle or during surgery. Using a microscope to examine the samples. It is done to look for cancer or other abnormal cells and remove tissue from the affected bone.

Evaluation of bone function
These methods are routinely used during surgery to measure the pressure inside the bone.

How is avascular necrosis treated?
The goal of avascular necrosis treatment is to enhance a joint’s range of motion and prevent additional bone or joint degeneration. Treatments are essential to keep joints from degenerating. These could include:

Anti-inflammatory remedies
A doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory remedies for treating the inflammation.

Blood thinners
Blood thinners help with preventing blood clots in the vessels supplying blood to the bones so that the blood flow is not restricted.

Osteoporosis treatments
Although there is mixed evidence on this, these treatments may slow down the progression of the condition.

Bone graft
A portion of healthy bone tissue is extracted from another part of the body to replace the damaged bone and restore blood flow.

Core decompression
A portion of the inner layer of bone is removed by a surgeon. In addition to easing pain, the extra space within the bone promotes the growth of healthy bone tissue and new blood vessels.

Joint replacement
During this operation, an arthritic or damaged joint is removed and replaced with a prosthetic joint. This should be attempted only after all other therapies have failed to alleviate pain or disability.