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Aseptic necrosis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Aseptic necrosis
Aseptic necrosis

Alternative Names    Return to top

Avascular necrosis; Osteonecrosis; Ischemic bone necrosis; AVN

Definition    Return to top

Aseptic necrosis is bone death caused by poor blood supply to the area. It is most common in the hip, knee, and shoulder.

Causes    Return to top

Aseptic necrosis occurs when part of the bone does not get blood and dies. After a while part of the bone breaks off. If this condition is not treated, bone damage gets worse. Eventually, the healthy part of the bone may collapse.

Aseptic necrosis can be caused by disease, or a severe trauma, such as a break or dislocation, that affects the blood supply to the bone. Many times, no trauma or disease is present. This is called "idiopathic aseptic necrosis" -- aseptic necrosis without any known cause.

The following can cause aseptic necrosis:

Some diseases that may be associated with the development of aseptic necrosis include:

Aseptic necrosis is most common in people between ages 30 and 60. Most aseptic necrosis cases in adults occur at the hip joint. The condition can also occur due to childhood cancer therapy.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a similar condition seen in children and adolescents.

Symptoms    Return to top

There are no symptoms in the early stages of aseptic necrosis. As bone damage worsens, you may have the following symptoms:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Your health care provider will do a complete physical exam to find out if you have any diseases or conditions that may affect your bones. You will be asked questions about your symptoms and medical history. The questions might include:

Be sure to let your health care provider know about any medications or vitamin supplements you are taking, even over-the-counter medicine.

After the exam, your doctor will order one or more of the following tests:

Treatment    Return to top

If your health care provider knows the reason for aseptic necrosis, part of the treatment will be aimed at the underlying condition. For example, if a blood clotting disorder is the reason, treatment will consist, in part, of clot-dissolving medicine.

If the condition is caught very early, you will take pain relievers and limit use of the affected area. This may include using crutches if your hip, knee, or ankle is affected. You may need to do range-of-motion exercises. Non-surgical treatment can often slow the progression of aseptic necrosis, but most people will need surgery.

Surgical options include:

Support Groups    Return to top

You can find more information and support resources at the following organizations:

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Prognosis depends on the following:

The outcome can vary from complete healing to permanent damage in the affected bone.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Advanced aseptic necrosis can lead to osteoarthritis and permanent decreased mobility. Severe cases of osteoarthritis may require joint replacement.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms.

Prevention    Return to top

Many cases of aseptic necrosis do not have a known cause, so prevention may not be possible. However, in some cases, you can reduce your risk by doing the following:

References    Return to top

Canale ST (ed). Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2003.

Lackner H, Benesch M, Moser A, Smolle-Juttner F, Linhart W, Raith J, Urban C.  Aseptic osteonecrosis in children and adolescents treated for hemato-oncologic diseases: a 13-year longitudinal observational study. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2005 May;27(5):259-63.

Powars DR, Chan LS, Hiti A, Ramicone E, Johnson C. Outcome of Sickle Cell Anemia: A 4-Decade Observational Study of 1056 Patients. Medicine (Baltimore). 2005 Nov;84(6):363-376.

Update Date: 8/6/2007

Updated by: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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