What is avascular necrosis?

Avascular necrosis is bone death that occurs when the blood supply to the bone is decreased or stopped. Without an adequate blood supply, the bone dies and collapses. If the bone affected is near a joint, the joint may also collapse. Although any bone can be affected, avascular necrosis most often affects ends of the long bones, such as the upper leg bone at the hip.

Avascular necrosis is also called osteonecrosis, aseptic necrosis, or ischemic bone necrosis.

Any bone can be affected, but avascular necrosis most often affects the ends of the long bones, such as the upper leg bone at the hip.

Symptoms include mild to moderate hip or groin pain, decreased hip movement, and a limp. Pain may be sudden and become worse with standing or walking. Rest usually relieves the pain.

Children with avascular necrosis may have spasms in the hip muscle, have a limp, or refuse to bear weight. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a type of avascular necrosis in children that causes hip symptoms.

Your doctor will ask questions about your past health, including recent injuries, your medical conditions, and any medicines you take. An X-ray or MRI may be done.

Doctors usually start with treatments to limit further damage to the bone and joint and to help the bone grow. Treatments may include medicines, exercises, and electrical stimulation as well as limiting stress or weight-bearing on the bone and joint. Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce pain. Eventually, most people with avascular necrosis need surgery.

There are things you can do to feel better. Follow your doctor's instructions to limit stress or weight on the bone. Take any over-the-counter medicines for pain as instructed. Ask your doctor about other medicines or exercise you can try.