AVASCULAR NECROSIS (AVN)

AVN is a condition resulting from the stoppage of blood supply to bone. This could be temporary or permanent. As a result of this loss of blood supply, the bone that does not receive the blood gets weak and crumbles away and collapses (bone death). Subsequently, The cartilage overlying that bone peels away, leading to arthritis.

AVN is most commonly seen in the hips, followed by the shoulders and ankles. It can happen on its own, or due to prolonged excessive alcohol intake, steroid use, or other causes.

Patients with AVN of the hip complain of pain, stiffness in the hip and difficulty in weight bearing. The condition is diagnosed on MRI scan. Once there is considerable damage, X rays can diagnose AVN.

Several treatments exist for AVN, but none can promise a cure. Bone strengthening medications can be used to prevent bone collapse. In early stages, drill hole/s can be made into the head of the femur (sometimes along with Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate or cultured osteoblasts). In later stages, once the cartilage over the head of the femur is damaged, Total Hip Replacement is the solution.

Dr Ameet Pispati has had the experience of having treated several AVN patients over the last 23 years. Each patient is assessed individually and a customised treatment plan is made for the patient. The treatment ranges from medications to different kinds of surgical options. Each patient is assessed in detail and a unique treatment plan is made for that patient.