Osteonecrosis of the Hip

Osteonecrosis of the hip is a disabling condition that can lead to the hip joint collapsing. The condition may start with few warning signs.  Blood vessels gradually cut off nourishment to the top of the thighbone (femur) where it fits in the hip socket.  Without blood, the head of the femur dies and collapses.  This can produce pain when moving the hip, arthritis can develop along with a limp.  Cartilage in the hip's socket may also break down.  Other terms for osteonecrosis are avascular necrosis (AVN) or aseptic necrosis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Osteonecrosis (ON) is a disease that typically affects adults between the ages of 20-50 years old.

During an exam, it is necessary to flex and rotate the hips to check for pain. Hips may be X-rayed and possibly scanned by MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to see if bone marrow is dying or dead, and how much the head of the femur may have collapsed.

• If ON is determined, and the head of the femur is not yet collapsed, certain medical procedures (decompression and bone grafting) may help the body build new blood vessels and bone cells to replace the dead ones.

If ON has already collapsed the hip, total hip replacement surgery (arthroplasty) may eliminate the pain and improve hip mobility. A ball and socket replaces the hip joint. The thighbone is fitted with the ball piece, which takes the place of the head of the femur. The hip socket is fitted with the socket piece (cup).

 

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteonecrosis Of The Hip
• Total Joint Replacement
• Total Knee Replacement
• Total Hip Replacement
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