What is the meaning of aseptic necrosis?

Listen to pronunciation. (ay-SEP-tik neh-KROH-sis) A condition in which there is a loss of blood flow to bone tissue, which causes the bone to die.

What causes aseptic necrosis?

Aseptic necrosis can be caused by trauma, damage to the blood vessels that supply bone its oxygen, poor blood circulation to the bone, abnormally thick blood (hypercoagulable state), atherosclerosis, or inflammation of the blood vessel walls (vasculitis).

Can hypertension cause avascular necrosis?

Another possible cause is hypertension and arteriosclerosis secondary to corticosteroids inducing insulin resistance which may lead to AVN. For this reason, AVN is also called a ‘coronary disease of the hip’8).

What happens if osteonecrosis is not treated?

If osteonecrosis is not treated, the joint deteriorates, leading to severe arthritis. Osteonecrosis can be caused by disease or by severe trauma, such as a fracture or dislocation, that affects the blood supply to the bone. Osteonecrosis can also occur without trauma or disease.

Can necrotic bone heal?

Treatment can slow the progress of avascular necrosis, but there is no cure. Most people who have avascular necrosis eventually have surgery, including joint replacement. People who have avascular necrosis can also develop severe osteoarthritis.

Is bone necrosis painful?

Some people have no symptoms in the early stages of avascular necrosis. As the condition worsens, affected joints might hurt only when putting weight on them. Eventually, you might feel the pain even when you’re lying down. Pain can be mild or severe.

How fast does avascular necrosis progress?

AVN can progress through these stages quite rapidly over a period of just a few months or it may take 12 – 18 months. This is in contrast to osteoarthritis of the hip which is a generally slowly progressive condition that takes years to develop. Figure 2.

What is the treatment for avascular necrosis of the hip?

Regenerative medicine treatment. Bone marrow aspirate and concentration is a newer procedure that might help avascular necrosis of the hip in early stages. During surgery, the surgeon removes a sample of dead hipbone and inserts stem cells taken from bone marrow in its place. This might allow new bone to grow.

What are the four stages of osteonecrosis?

Stage 1 has a normal x-rays but MRI reveals the dead bone. Stage 2 can be seen on regular x-ray but there is no collapse of the femoral ball. Stage 3 shows signs of collapse (called a crescent sign) on x-ray. Stage 4 has collapse on x-ray and signs of cartilage damage (osteoarthritis).

Is necrosis serious?

Necrotic tissue is skin necrosis, in which many cells die in the same organ. It is considered to be a damaging health condition, as it can result in serious diseases like skin cancer.