Aseptic necrosis is when a bone’s blood supply is cut off, leading to the death of the bone tissue. The condition is also called ischemic bone necrosis, avascular necrosis, and osteonecrosis. Although it can affect any bone, the hip, knee, and shoulder joints are most commonly affected. If left untreated, aseptic necrosis can be a painful and crippling illness that results in joint destruction. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment of aseptic necrosis.

Symptoms of aseptic necrosis
Aseptic necrosis is a slow-growing condition. A person suffering from the condition may develop symptoms at any stage of the condition. It can take months or even years. Some typical symptoms are:

Pain
The most typical sign of aseptic necrosis is pain. The pain may be intense, long-lasting, and worsen during exercise or at night.

Stiffness
Moving and carrying out regular tasks might be difficult when a joint is stiff.

Reduced range of motion
Aseptic necrosis can result in a joint’s range of motion being restricted, making it challenging to carry out some actions.

Swelling
During the early stages of the ailment, specifically, swelling may be seen around the affected joint.

When aseptic necrosis is severe, the damaged bone may collapse, resulting in joint deformity and disability.

Causes of aseptic necrosis
Aseptic necrosis occurs when the blood supply to the bone tissue is reduced. Blood supply can be reduced because of the following:

Joint or bone trauma
A fracture or dislocation of the affected bone might cut off the blood supply to the bone and cause aseptic necrosis.

Fatty deposits in the blood vessels
The lipids can block the small blood vessels. This can lead to restricted blood flow to the bone tissues.

Certain health conditions
Certain health conditions like sickle cell anemia or Gaucher’s disease can also reduce blood flow to the bone.

Diagnosis of aseptic necrosis
Physical exam
A healthcare provider may press around the bones to check for tenderness. They may also move one’s joints around to assess one’s range of motion.

X-rays
X-rays can show damage caused to the bone in the later stage of the condition. However, they cannot see issues present during the early stages of the condition.

CT scan and MRI
These techniques produce precise images that spot early bone changes that might point to aseptic necrosis.

Treatment of aseptic necrosis
More harsh measures may occasionally be required to treat aseptic necrosis. Options for treatment include:

Surgery
Surgery may be required to remove dead tissue and replace or mend broken bones. Joint replacement surgery may be required when a joint has sustained significant damage.

Electrical stimulation
The use of electrical stimulation therapy can assist the affected area to have better blood flow, which encourages healing and lessens pain.

Bone grafting
Healthy bone tissue is transplanted to the injured area to aid in the healing process.

Stem cell therapy
To encourage the formation of new bone, stem cells are inserted into the affected area.

Other remedies
Several remedies are available to assist in managing signs and symptoms of aseptic necrosis, including:

Rest
Resting the injured joint can help ease discomfort and stop future bone deterioration.

Physical therapy
Physical therapy can assist in increasing joint range of motion and decreasing stiffness.

Bracing
A brace or support can aid by stabilizing the injured joint and reducing discomfort and stiffness.

Lifestyle modifications
Adopting a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and eating nutritious meals can help lower the incidence of aseptic necrosis.

Precautions to take
While there is no surefire way to stop aseptic necrosis, people can take precautions to lower their risk of getting it. Preventative steps include:

Treating underlying diseases
Aseptic necrosis risk might be increased by underlying illnesses such as lupus, sickle cell disease, and HIV/AIDS. People can lower their risk of getting this illness by addressing these conditions with routine treatment.

Exercising frequently
Frequent exercise will help lower the incidence of aseptic necrosis by increasing blood flow to the bones. Maintaining a healthy body can also help lower the risk of developing this illness.

Conclusion
Aseptic necrosis is a dangerous disorder that, if neglected, can result in significant discomfort and disability. If one notices any symptoms of this ailment, one must immediately consult a healthcare provider. Aseptic necrosis has several risk factors that can raise the likelihood of occurrence even though the precise causes are unknown. Fortunately, some prescription treatments can help control symptoms and halt the spread of the illness. People can reduce their risk of getting aseptic necrosis by taking precautions. And if a person gets the illness, getting the right treatment at the right time is important.