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