Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis is a severe bone disorder that worsens with time and can impair movement. It happens when something interrupts blood flow to one of your bones. Broken bones dislocated hips, radiation therapy, and alcoholism are all potential causes. Most people require surgery, including joint replacement, to alleviate pain and enhance mobility.

 In brief, Avascular necrosis occurs when anything prevents blood from flowing to your bone tissue. Your bones are continually changing as your skeletal system produces new bone tissue to replace aged bone tissue, which eventually deteriorates and dies.

Consider this a cycle: your body creates new tissue to replace the tissue that is aging and dying. This pattern must be followed correctly in order to keep your bones healthy and powerful. Blood transports the nutrients and oxygen that bones require to stay healthy and regenerate. Without a blood supply, your skeletal system cannot produce enough new bone tissue. The decaying bone crumbles and eventually collapses.

Where Does Avascular Necrosis Develop The Most?

Avascular necrosis can harm bone tissue in any joint, however, it most commonly affects the hip. Avascular necrosis can also occur in the following joints:

• Ankles.
• Jaw.
• Knees.
• Shoulders and upper arm (humerus).

What exactly are the signs and symptoms of avascular necrosis?

The following are the most prevalent avascular necrosis symptoms. However, each person may experience symptoms in a different way. Symptoms could include:

• Early joint pain is Intermittent but minimal.
• Increased joint discomfort as the bone and joint starts to deform or collapse.
• Pain has limited the range of your motion.
• Increasing pain and stiff joints.
• Difficulty climbing stairs, standing, or walking.
• Limping if you have avascular necrosis in your hips or knees.

Avascular necrosis symptoms can mimic those of other medical illnesses or bone concerns. For a diagnosis, always consult with your healthcare physician.

Treatments For Avascular Necrosis?

Your treatment will be determined by the extent of your bone injury / The severity of your bone health.

If your condition is in its early stage or has affected smaller bones that don’t carry or support much of your weight then the following treatments will most probably help you in easing out your pain.

• Cold compression with ice packs.
• Treatment with heat.
• Physical therapy to relieve joint pain and increase range of motion.
• Canes and crutches are examples of walking aids.
• Physical Rest.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).

If your condition is severe and is affecting larger bone sets that support your body weight, then surgery is usually required to treat avascular necrosis. Surgical alternatives may include:

• Core decompression is a procedure in which your surgeon drills small holes (cores) in your damaged bone in order to enhance blood flow to the affected bone. To encourage recovery, this technique may be done with injections or bone grafts.
• Joint replacement involves the replacement of a damaged joint with an artificial one. In persons with avascular necrosis, hip and knee replacements are 95 percent effective at alleviating pain and restoring mobility.

How To Avoid Avascular Necrosis?

Although avascular necrosis cannot be prevented, there are things you may take to lower your risk:

• If you are taking corticosteroids for a persistent medical problem, talk to your doctor about lowering your dosage.
• Stop smoking.
• Keep track of your cholesterol readings.
• Reduce your alcohol consumption.
• If you are taking corticosteroids for a persistent medical problem, talk to your doctor about lowering your dosage.

Avascular necrosis is a painful disorder that can have a negative impact on your quality of life. You can book a consultation with our experts if you have any conditions or are taking medications that raise your chances of developing avascular necrosis.

Our experts at SaiShree Robotic Joint Replacement Centre will provide a detailed diagnosis and explain any symptoms that could indicate avascular necrosis.

Early detection and therapy can help to slow the progression of the illness.