Overview

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a condition in which bone tissue dies because blood flow to it is cut off or reduced. The affected bone becomes weak and may slowly collapse if blood flow is poor. AVN most often affects the hip joint, especially the femoral head, but it can also affect the shoulder, knee, or ankle. The condition may start out slowly and with mild symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious joint damage. Early detection and management are essential to maintain joint structure and function.

Symptoms
In the early stages, avascular necrosis may cause no symptoms at all. As the disease gets worse, people often feel deep, aching pain in the joint that is affected, especially when they bear weight or move. At first, pain may only appear when you are active, but it can last for a long time. It's common to have less range of motion, stiffness, and limping. In later stages, joint collapse can make you disabled.

Causes
When the blood flow to the bone is cut off, avascular necrosis happens. Long-term use of corticosteroid medications, drinking too much alcohol, joint injuries like fractures or dislocations, and some medical conditions like sickle cell disease are all common causes. Smoking, radiation therapy, and diseases that affect blood vessels are also risk factors. In certain instances, a definitive cause remains unascertained.

Diagnosis
A diagnosis is made based on a person's medical history, a physical exam, and imaging tests. X-rays may look normal in the early stages of a disease, so MRI is often used to find early bone damage. CT scans can assess bone structure in later stages. Early diagnosis helps doctors decide what to do and stop the disease from getting worse.

Treatment
The goal of treatment is to ease pain, slow disease progression, and protect the joint. Medications, less weight-bearing, and physical therapy are all parts of early management. It may be suggested that you undergo procedures to improve blood flow or reduce bone pressure. In later stages, when the joints have collapsed, surgery such as bone grafting or joint replacement may be needed to restore function and relieve pain.

How early the condition is found and treated will affect its outcome. Intervening early can slow down the progress. In more serious cases, surgery may be needed. Many people find relief from pain and improved movement with the right care and lifestyle changes.