Can you get avascular necrosis in your ankle?

Avascular necrosis of the talus (AVN) refers to a cutoff of the blood supply to the talus, which is a bone of the ankle. It typically results from a fracture in the area that damages the blood vessels. When AVN takes place, the bone may soften and begin to break down.

Can you get avascular necrosis in your foot?

Avascular necrosis is an uncommon condition that can affect the bones of the foot or ankle. It is due to a loss of blood supply to the bone or a portion thereof. Loss of blood supply causes death of the bone cells, which may predispose the bone and joint to collapse.

How do you fix avascular necrosis of the foot?

The options include:

  1. Core decompression. A surgeon removes part of the inner layer of bone.
  2. Bone transplant (graft). This procedure can help strengthen the area of bone affected by avascular necrosis.
  3. Bone reshaping (osteotomy).
  4. Joint replacement.
  5. Regenerative medicine treatment.

Is avascular necrosis a serious condition?

Avascular necrosis is a localized death of bone as a result of local injury (trauma), drug side effects, or disease. This is a serious condition because the dead areas of bone do not function normally, are weakened, and can collapse.

What causes necrosis of the foot?

Avascular necrosis is a disease that results from the temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bone. It happens most commonly in the ends of a long bone. Avascular necrosis may be the result of injury, use of medicines, or alcohol. Symptoms may include joint pain and limited range of motion.

What makes avascular necrosis worse?

A broken bone or dislocated joint can stop the blood flow to a section of bone. Avascular necrosis is also associated with long-term use of high-dose steroid medications and too much alcohol.

What is the best treatment for avascular necrosis?

No surgical procedure is the consensual best among surgeons in the treatment of AVN. In early stages of AVN (precollapse), core decompression with or without bone graft is typically considered the most appropriate treatment.