About Avascular Necrosis of the Hip:
Avascular necrosis of the hip is a condition in which the blood supply to the hip joint becomes disrupted, causing the bone tissue to undergo a process of atrophy. This can lead to small cracks in the affected bone and the gradual degeneration of the ball within the hip joint. Some risk factors for avascular necrosis are as follows:
- A hip dislocation
- History of excessive alcohol intake or steroid use
Signs & Symptoms
- In the early stages, many people have no symptoms
- As the condition worsens, however, the affected joint may hurt when weight is applied
- Pain is gradual and can be mild to severe
How is it Treated?
While nonsurgical methods of treatment such as walking aids or pain medications can slow down the deterioration, most people affected by avascular necrosis eventually need surgical intervention. Those options include:
- Total joint replacement
- Core decompression
- Vascularized bone graft
