Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more

Avascular Necrosis

What is Avascular Necrosis?

Avascular Necrosis (AVN) also known as Osteonecrosis, is a condition resulting in the death of bone cells. Namely, when the blood flow to bone cells is greatly reduced, cells can die and this can cause the bone to collapse. This can result in pain, limited use of any affected joints near the bone and subsequent arthritis. The exact cause of AVN is unknown, but when it does occur, it commonly affects the ends of long bones, such as the femur (thigh bone).

 

Synonyms

  • Osteocrenosis

Avascular Necrosis (AVN) also known as Osteonecrosis, is a condition resulting in the death of bone cells. Namely, when the blood flow to bone cells is greatly reduced, cells can die and this can cause the bone to collapse. This can result in pain, limited use of any affected joints near the bone and subsequent arthritis. The exact cause of AVN is unknown, but when it does occur, it commonly affects the ends of long bones, such as the femur (thigh bone).

Acknowledgement of Avascular Necrosis has not been added yet.

AVN affects around 10,000 to 20,000 people each year in the United States. Those affected are usually between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can affect people of all ages. AVN affects both men and women.

Name Abbreviation
Osteocrenosis AVN

The specific cause of AVN varies across individuals. However, the condition is most commonly caused by serious trauma (injury), fracture, damage to blood vessels, long-term use of corticosteroids, excessive alcohol consumption and certain medical conditions, such as lupus (an autoimmune disease resulting in the body’s immune system attacking its own tissues and organs, causing inflammation and pain in parts of the body).

There are a few common symptoms experienced by individuals with AVN, however these symptoms can vary across individuals. In the early stages of AVN, patients may not have any symptoms. As the disease progresses, it is common for patients to start experiencing joint pain when applying weight to the affected area or even when resting. The pain will gradually worsen and may be mild to severe. In later stages of AVN with the bone and surrounding joint surface collapsing, pain can increase rapidly. The time between early and later stages of AVN will vary for each person and may take several months to several years.

Name Description
Bone pain Bone pain
Joint pain Joint pain

AVN is typically suspected when a patient notifies their doctor of experiencing or feeling bone pain in a localized area (limited to the small area concerned). A doctor will usually perform a physical examination and assess the patient’s medical history. Thereafter, certain imaging techniques will be used to diagnose the patient with AVN.

An X-ray is likely to be the first diagnostic test the doctor suggests. Since x-rays may not detect AVN in the early stages, other tests may be performed. These include:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - An MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. 

  • Computed/Computerized Tomography (CT) - A CT scan is used to provide a three-dimensional image of the bone. It can also show slices of the bone, which produces a clearer picture of the overall bone than x-rays and bone scans. CT scans may not detect early-stage AVN as MRI scans usually do, but they can indicate cracks in the bone. 

  • Biopsy - In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to examine bone tissue samples. This is a procedure in which a sample of body tissue, cells or fluid is removed from the body and examined in a laboratory.

Early intervention is essential to preserve the bones affected, but people are often diagnosed later in the disease process. Depending on factors, such as the patient’s age, stage of AVN, location and amount of damage, the doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment. The overall aim of treatment is to improve the patient’s use of the affected area, prevent further damage to the bone, and ensure the survival of the bone and joint. Common treatments for AVN include:

  • Core decompression - This procedure removes or drills a tunnel into the affected bone area to reduce pressure inside the bone. This procedure is best used to treat earlier stages of AVN, before collapse of the bone. 

  • Osteotomy - This procedure aims to reshape the bone to reduce stress to the affected area. Dead bone is removed and the remaining bone is re-positioned or shaped to enable the healthy bone to support the weight-bearing joint surface. 

  • Bone grafting - In more advanced cases, bone grafting surgery may be used. This involves using a small piece of the patient’s healthy leg bone and transplanting (grafting) it to the area of dead bone. This procedure aims to improve blood flow and provide support to the surrounding bone. 

  • Arthroplasty - If the patient’s joint has already collapsed, a total joint replacement may be necessary to replace the affected joint with artificial parts.

For most individuals with AVN, treatment tends to be an ongoing process and the length of time for treating the damaged area varies across individuals. While there is currently no proven medical therapy for AVN, studies continue to investigate the disease to develop a better understanding of how it occurs and the effectiveness of current and new treatments.

To prevent further bone damage and to reduce the likelihood of developing AVN in other areas, it is recommended to avoid excessive alcohol consumption and avoid tobacco use, as smoking has been linked to heightened risk of AVN.

Community Details Update Created by RareshareTeam
Last updated 29 Jul 2020, 02:24 AM

Posted by RareshareTeam
29 Jul 2020, 02:24 AM

Hi everyone,

The Avascular Necrosis community details have been updated. We added more information about the cause, prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Hopefully, you find it helpful!

avascular necrosis at 21 Created by Internet_Bijan
Last updated 3 Jan 2016, 11:13 PM

Posted by Internet_Bijan
3 Jan 2016, 11:13 PM

Hello all, I'm 21 and was recently diagnosed with avascular necrosis (perthes disease). Was looking for some feedback or suggestions. I'm currently on surgery 3/7. Thanks!

Community Resources
Title Description Date Link

Clinical Trials


Cords registry

CoRDS, or the Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford, is based at Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It provides researchers with a centralized, international patient registry for all rare diseases. This program allows patients and researchers to connect as easily as possible to help advance treatments and cures for rare diseases. The CoRDS team works with patient advocacy groups, individuals and researchers to help in the advancement of research in over 7,000 rare diseases. The registry is free for patients to enroll and researchers to access.

Enrolling is easy.

  1. Complete the screening form.
  2. Review the informed consent.
  3. Answer the permission and data sharing questions.

After these steps, the enrollment process is complete. All other questions are voluntary. However, these questions are important to patients and their families to create awareness as well as to researchers to study rare diseases. This is why we ask our participants to update their information annually or anytime changes to their information occur.

Researchers can contact CoRDS to determine if the registry contains participants with the rare disease they are researching. If the researcher determines there is a sufficient number of participants or data on the rare disease of interest within the registry, the researcher can apply for access. Upon approval from the CoRDS Scientific Advisory Board, CoRDS staff will reach out to participants on behalf of the researcher. It is then up to the participant to determine if they would like to join the study.

Visit sanfordresearch.org/CoRDS to enroll.

Community Leaders

 

Expert Questions

Ask a question

Community User List

Hello all. I find myself in one of the toughest times in my life. I am 21 years old an have been diagnosed with perthes disease as of late last year.

 

 

My parents are immigrants who came...

Start a Community


Don't See Your Condition On Rareshare?

Start your own! With a worldwide network of 8,000 users, you won't be the only member of your community for long.

FAQ


Have questions about rareshare?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Discussion Forum

Community Details Update

Created by RareshareTeam | Last updated 29 Jul 2020, 02:24 AM

avascular necrosis at 21

Created by Internet_Bijan | Last updated 3 Jan 2016, 11:13 PM


Communities

Our Communities

Join Rareshare to meet other people that have been touched by rare diseases. Learn, engage, and grow with our communities.

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY
Physicians

Our Resources

Our rare disease resources include e-books and podcasts

VIEW OUR EBOOKS

LISTEN TO OUR PODCASTS

VIEW OUR GUIDES

Leaders

Our Community Leaders

Community leaders are active users that have been touched by the rare disease that they are a part of. Not only are they there to help facilitate conversations and provide new information that is relevant for the group, but they are there for you and to let you know you have a support system on Rareshare.