AVASCULAR NECROSIS
Avascular Necrosis, sometimes known as osteonecrosis, mostly affects people between 30-50 years of age. The main symptom of this is pain.
It is a condition that occurs due to disruption in the blood supply to bone, causing the bone to die. The areas affected are usually the ends of the long bone. For example, the hip and the knee. The condition can progress to arthritis.
Risk factors include steroid use and significant previous injury (such as dislocation). Sometimes x-rays can show the condition, but an MRI scan is better at picking up this condition.
TREATMENT
The treatment options include doing nothing for the time being, pain relief, activity modification, and surgery.
Surgical procedures for Avascular Necrosis include core-decompression and total hip replacement. Core decompression is a procedure that is done under anaesthetic. It involves drilling a hole in the bone, with the aim of reducing the pressure and improving blood flow. It is an effective procedure when the condition is treated early.