What causes osteonecrosis of the femur?
Cause. Osteonecrosis of the hip develops when the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted. Without adequate nourishment, the bone in the head of the femur dies and gradually collapses. As a result, the articular cartilage covering the hip bones also collapses, leading to disabling arthritis.
Where does osteonecrosis commonly occur?
Osteonecrosis is bone death caused by poor blood supply. It is most common in the hip and shoulder but can affect other large joints such as the knee, elbow, wrist, and ankle.
What are the types of osteonecrosis?
Health care providers describe two types of osteonecrosis:
- Traumatic, which follows an injury. The most common causes of traumatic osteonecrosis are a bone fracture (break) or dislocation.
- Nontraumatic, when there is no history of injury.
Does osteonecrosis go away?
Osteonecrosis heals without treatment in some people if the disorder is diagnosed early and if the affected area is small and not in the major weight-bearing area. Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee is usually treated without surgery, and pain usually resolves.
Can osteonecrosis be reversed?
Treatment for Osteonecrosis Medication may be able to reverse bone damage if osteonecrosis is diagnosed before it is advanced. If the disease has caused severe damage, surgeons who specialize in joint-preserving and joint-replacement surgeries can perform procedures designed to improve mobility and relieve pain.
What is the most common cause of osteonecrosis other than fracture?
Osteonecrosis most likely develops because of the combination of factors, possibly including genetic, metabolic, self-imposed (alcohol, smoking), and other diseases that you may have and their treatment. Injury: When a joint is injured, as in a fracture or dislocation, the blood vessels may be damaged.
Is osteonecrosis the same as osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis and osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis) are two diferent problems. Osteoarthritis occurs with when the cartilage wears thin and degrades.
What type of doctor treats osteonecrosis of the knee?
Chronic joint pain and stiffness may be symptoms of avascular necrosis (AVN), a rare condition that can occur in any joint but is most common in the hip. Duke orthopaedic surgeons are nationally recognized experts in the treatment of avascular necrosis, also known as osteonecrosis.
How fast does osteonecrosis of the knee progress?
It may take from several months to over a year for the disease to progress. It is important to diagnose osteonecrosis early, because some studies show that early treatment is associated with better outcomes. The four stages of osteonecrosis of the knee.
Is osteonecrosis reversible?
Osteonecrosis is generally thought of being an irreversible process. If the necrosis occurs next to a joint surface, it is generally considered to cause joint deformity.