AVASCULAR NECROSIS
AVASCULAR NECROSIS
- Also known as osteonecrosis or aseptic necrosis.
- Condition where the blood flow to an area of bone is compromised.
- Avascular necrosis causes deformation of the bone.
- Leads to secondary osteoarthritis a few years later.
- Thus causing painful limitation of joint movement.
Common sites:
|
Site |
Cause |
| Head of the femur (m/c) |
|
| Proximal pole of scaphoid |
|
| Body of the talus |
|
Causes of AVN
- Steroids
- Alcohol
- Sickle cell disease
- Trauma
Symptoms of AVN
- Pain, often in the groin or buttock
- Stiffness of the hip joint
Diagnosis
Radiological changes:
- Sclerosis of necrotic area
- Deformity of the bone-because of the collapse of necrotic bone
- Osteoarthritis- giving rise to diminished joint space, osteophytes
Bone scan:
- Visible as ‘cold area’ on the bone scan.
Treatment:
- Depending on multiple contributing factors, AVN can be treated with or without surgery.
Conservative (non-operative)
- Observation
- Restricted weight bearing
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Bisphosphonates
Surgical treatment
- Core decompression
- Hip replacement
Exam Important
- Avascular necrosis is commoner in Head of the femur.
- Best diagnostic modality to diagnose avascular necrosis is MRI scan.
Don’t Forget to Solve all the previous Year Question asked on AVASCULAR NECROSIS
Click Here to Start Quiz
Click Here to Start Quiz
