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Osteonecrosis occurs when your bones lose their blood supply. The bones die and eventually collapse, leading to pain and arthritis. You can have osteonecrosis in one or several bones. It is most common in the upper leg. Other common sites are your upper arm and your knees, shoulders and ankles. The disease can affect men and women of any age, but it usually strikes in your thirties, forties or fifties.
Early in the disease you might not have any symptoms. Later, you will probably have joint pain that becomes more severe as the disease gets worse.
No one is sure what causes the disease. Risk factors include
Treatments include medicines, using crutches, limiting activities that put weight on the affected joints, electrical stimulation and surgery.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
What is Osteonecrosis? Osteonecrosis literally means “dead bone.” It most often refers to a form of arthritis in which one of the bones of a joint is affected by osteonecrosis, leading to arthritis in the joint. Osteonecrosis is known by many other names, such as avascular necrosis or ischemic necrosis. Osteonecrosis occurs because of a decrease in blood supply to specific parts of bones. This decreased circulation causes cells in the bone and bone marrow to begin to die. Eventually the dead section of bone weakens and collapses. What Causes Osteonecrosis? Injuries such as fractures or dislocations of certain bones, such as in the wrist or hip, can produce osteonecrosis if the arteries supplying blood to these areas are damaged. Blocked blood vessels, of any cause, will result in osteonecrosis. For example, abnormal red blood cells (sickle cell anemia or thalassemia) or expanding nitrogen bubbles (commercial deep-sea divers or tunnel workers who do not decompress properly) can block blood vessels leading to osteonecrosis. Taking corticosteroid medications such as prednisone, particularly in high doses, also can reduce the bone blood flow by increasing the pressure with bone marrow and blood flow. Who Gets Osteonecrosis? The following people are most at risk for developing osteonecrosis: those with certain fractures of the hip alcoholics those taking corticosteroids individuals with sickle cell anemia, lupus or pancreatitis Osteonecrosis most commonly occurs in large joints such as the hips, knees, ankles and shoulders. People between the ages of 30 and 50 are most likely to develop osteonecrosis of the hip, with men developing this condition slightly more frequently than women. Osteonecrosis of the knee occurs most often in women between ages 50 and 60. What Are the Symptoms? Pain, both at rest and, in particular, with movement of the joint is the major symptom of osteonecrosis. Other symptoms include limitation of motion, joint stiffness and muscle spasms. ... [ Read More ]
Osteonecrosis in multiple symmetrical lipomatosis - Eurorad - Clinical Case 1405 - Resident - Discusses a new aspect to MSL not seen before, that of osteonecrosis, or bone death. Check out http://www.nonf.org for more information.
Dr Yoon's Osteonecrosis Clinic - Describes information about osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis aseptic necrosis AVN ON) of femoral head which is a disabling disease developed in the hip joint.
Osteonecrosis Listserver - Internet forum for osteonecrosis (also called avascular necrosis) offering information and support.
Legg Perthes Support Group International - Part of the National Osteonecrosis Foundation, offering encouragement, medical information, online discussions and a message board.