Avascular Necrosis

When blood flow to a part of the body is interrupted due to a joint dislocation, bone fracture, blocked blood vessels or a disease process, the bone tissue can begin to die in a condition known as avascular necrosis. Eventually, this condition allows for tiny stress fractures to develop that weaken the bone and can lead to its collapse. Symptoms of avascular necrosis include gradually increasing pain in the affected area – with hips, shoulders, knees, hands and feet most often affected. Treatment for avascular necrosis usually focuses on medications such as osteoporosis drugs, NSAIDs and blood thinners along with physical therapy and possibly electrical stimulation to stimulate new bone growth. In its more advanced stages, the condition may require surgical intervention in the form of a bone graft, joint replacement, core decompression or osteotomy procedure.