Avascular necrosis (AVN), also known as osteonecrosis, is a progressive condition that results from the loss of blood supply to the bone. This causes death of the tissue, causing pains in the affected bones, loss of movement and destruction of the joints should treatment not be administered. This blog explains the causes, early signs, methods of diagnosing and the treatment options available to AVN. Anytime you have chronic pain in your joint, it is imperative to consult a qualified Orthopaedic surgeon near you to have it diagnosed and treated early.
Avascular Necrosis – What is AVN?
Avascular necrosis is a condition when there is tissue death in bones occurs due to an insufficient blood supply. Failure to flow leads to weakening of the bone, hence its collapse. With time, the adjoining meeting surface may also be worn, and this leads to serious pain and loss of movement of the joint.
Most likely, it affects the hip; however, it is also possible to have AVN in the knees, shoulders, and ankles. Joint destruction treatment can be avoided by timely diagnosis and treatment, and can go a long way in maintaining the natural structure of the joints.
Culprits of Avascular Necrosis
AVN is caused by the bone experiencing a lack of blood supply as a result of any type of disturbance. A variety of reasons cause this interruption:
1. Trauma
Dislocation or damage to blood vessels may not allow the circulation of blood to the bone when the blood vessels are severed. A broken hip may also cut off the supply of blood that flows into the femoral head in one such instance.
2. Steroid Abuse
Non-traumatic causes include long-term use of corticosteroids. These are medicines that are usually prescribed in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, but they may predispose one to the accumulation of fat in blood vessels, thus inhibiting their flow.
3. Alcohol Abuse
Excessive drinking of alcohol may elevate the amount of lipids in the blood system, which can contribute to clogging of blood vessels and a propensity to poor circulation.
4. Medical Conditions
There are illnesses reported to be risk factors of AVN because of the effects they have on blood vessels and bone health, namely sickle cell anaemia, lupus, Gaucher disease, and HIV.
5. Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy
Cancer therapy may ossify bones and destroy blood vessels, resulting in AVN in patients who were strongly treated.
Symptoms of Avascular Necrosis
AVN often develops silently. However, as the condition progresses, common symptoms include:
- Persistent Joint Pain: It is the most common symptom at an early stage, mostly around the hip, knee, shoulder or ankle.
- Pain with Motion or Loading: There is an increase in pain, which comes with movement or when subjected to weight.
- Joint Stiffness: The lack of movement would be even stronger with the progression of the disease.
- Limping or Trouble Walking: This is very common, as in the case of the hip or knee.
- Pain at Rest: Even when the patient is not in motion, pain may arise at later stages.
In case of any joint pain that fails to respond to rest or over-the-counter medications, you must visit a Joint Pain Doctor in Ahmedabad to assess this situation.
The Diagnosis of Avascular Necrosis
Prognosis: An early diagnosis is the most effective thing when it comes to the management of AVN. The diagnostic process tends to involve:
1. Clinical Evaluation
The initial steps that the doctor would make include a detailed physical examination, talking about the medical history, lifestyle effects, and patterns of symptoms.
2. Imaging Tests
- X-rays: These are employed in locating bone alterations at the later stages.
- MRI ( Magnetic Resonance Imaging ): Ability to detect AVN at its earliest onset- before symptoms.
- CT Scan: provides images of the bone in detail to determine the extent of damage.
- Bone Scan: It can also be used to help determine areas of decreased blood supply.
Diagnosis by a reputed orthopaedic hospital in Ahmedabad, as soon as the onset of the disease is experienced, results in the correct treatment plan being designed before the joints get damaged irreparably.
Options for Managing Avascular Necrosis
Treatment mostly carries with it both surgical and non-surgical options.
Non-Surgical Treatments
1. Medication
- Hypolipidemics in case of interest in lipid levels.
- Blood thinning in some cases to remove circulatory problems.
2. Physical Therapy
- Joint protection exercises to keep joints in motion and avoid stiffness.
- Using walking aids helps reduce weight bearing on the joint.
3. Lifestyle Modifications
- Limiting steroid use (only under medical supervision).
Orthopaedic doctors typically recommend these measures during early-stage AVN, as they are more effective when combined with regular monitoring.
Surgical Treatments
For moderate to advanced AVN, surgery may be necessary to preserve or replace the joint:
1. Core Decompression
Doctors use a noninvasive treatment to relieve bone pressure and stimulate new blood flow.
2. Bone Grafting
Doctors use mature bone material to transplant healthy tissue, reinforcing the damaged area and stimulating regeneration.
3. Osteotomy
Surgeons will restructure the bone to shift weight to a healthy area away from the affected region.
4. Joint Replacement
In severe cases where joints are destroyed, surgeons replace the joint with an artificial implant. A skilled orthopaedic surgeon with experience in treating complex joint disorders like AVN should assess the condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the individual case.
Long-Term Management and Prognosis
Doctors can treat AVN easily without joint replacement when they diagnose it early. Nevertheless, Joint destruction, persistent pain, and disability may develop as a result of a late diagnosis.
Follow-up, compliance with treatment and lifestyle modification are very important in the delay of disease progression and maintenance of joint functions. The patients must also be keen on the development of new symptoms or pain deteriorating, and notify the doctor about this problem as well.
Looking for Expert Guidance?
Don’t delay—consult an expert immediately if you or a loved one experiences persistent joint pain or receives a diagnosis of avascular necrosis. Dr. Hardik Padhiyar, a highly experienced and trusted orthopaedic specialist, offers comprehensive care tailored to your condition. From early diagnosis to advanced surgical solutions, his patient-first approach ensures accurate treatment and long-term results.
Book a consultation today and take the first step towards pain-free mobility.
