ISCHEMIC NECROSIS OF BONE

Ischemic necrosis of bone, commonly known as avascular necrosis, destroys bone tissue due to a lack of blood flow. It may also cause minor fractures of the bone and the eventual collapse of the bone.

A fractured bone or dislocated joint may cut off blood supply to a bone. Also, ischemic necrosis of bone is linked to long-term steroid usage and heavy alcohol use.

In addition, anyone may be impacted, although individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 are more likely to be afflicted.

SYMPTOMS

In the early stages of avascular necrosis, many persons experience no symptoms. Besides, your damaged joint may only hurt when you put some weight on it as the problem progresses. You might inevitably feel the agony even when you’re lying down. Other signs and symptoms you may experience include:

  • moderate to severe joint discomfort
  • hip or knee discomfort while placing weight on it
  • groin pain that extends to the knee
  • Joint discomfort that is severe enough to restrict mobility

DIAGNOSIS

Physical examination and assessment of your symptoms may be used by your doctor to diagnose ischemic necrosis of bone. During a physical examination, your doctor will most likely push around your joints to feel discomfort. He or she may also move the joints into various positions to see whether your range of motion has been compromised. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may request for the following tests:

  • X-rays. This test is used to show late-stage avascular necrosis bone alterations. X-rays typically seem normal in the early stages.
  • MRI and CT scan. These tests are used to generate precise pictures of bone that may reveal early signs of avascular necrosis.
  • Bone scan. This test is used to diagnose bone problems.

TREATMENT

The most common treatment for ischemic necrosis of bone are the following:

Medications And Therapy

Medication and therapy in the early stages may alleviate symptoms of ischemic necrosis of bone. You may also be advised to have sufficient rest along with physical exercise. Also, the following medications may also be prescribed:

  • Blood thinners
  • Cholesterol-lowering drugs
  • Osteoporosis drugs
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Surgical And Other Procedures

Your doctor may suggest surgery because most individuals don’t notice symptoms until severe ischemic necrosis of bone. Some possibilities are:

  • Bone transplant (graft)
  • Joint replacement
  • Core decompression
  • Bone reshaping (osteotomy)
  • Regenerative medicine treatment

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]