All conditions
Bone & joint
Avascular Necrosis
Also known as: Osteonecrosis
Death of bone tissue caused by a loss of blood supply, most often in the hip, which can lead to collapse of the joint.
Video lesson
What it is
When blood flow to a section of bone is interrupted, the bone cells die and the area weakens. The hip is most common, followed by the knee, shoulder and ankle. Major risk factors are high-dose steroid use, heavy alcohol use, injury, sickle cell disease and lupus.
Symptoms
Early on there may be none. Later comes a deep groin, thigh or buttock ache that worsens with weight bearing and eventually at rest, with limited range of motion.
How it’s diagnosed
MRI is the most sensitive test and can detect early changes before X-rays. X-rays show later flattening or collapse of the bone.
Treatment
Early stages may be managed with protected weight bearing, pain relief and addressing risk factors. Surgery such as core decompression can help early disease, and joint replacement is used when the bone has collapsed.
Living with it
Limit alcohol and use the lowest effective steroid dose. Report new hip pain promptly if you have taken high-dose steroids.
At a glance
Category
Bone & joint
Also known as
Osteonecrosis
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.