overview

Avascular necrosisAvascular necrosisA condition where bony tissue dies because of insufficient blood supply. is caused by the loss of blood supply to the bones, resulting in the boneboneThe hard tissue that provides structural support to the body. It is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite cryst... tissuetissueA collection of similar cells and the intercellular substances surrounding them. dying and the bone collapsing. If this happens near a jointjointThe junction or articulation of two or more bones that permits varying degrees of motion between the bones., it can lead to the collapse of the jointjointThe junction between the ends of two adjacent bones. surface. Avascular necrosis is also known as osteonecrosis, asepticasepticFreedom from infection, sterile. necrosis and ischemic bone necrosis.

This disorder usually afflicts approximately 20,000 people between the ages of 30–50 every year. It is a disabling condition that can cause:

• Loss of flexibility and strength
• Development of bone spursspursA sharp, bony outgrowth located at the end of a bone.
• Knee painpainAn unpleasant sensation associated with actual or potential tissue damage, and mediated by specific nerve fibe...
• Hip pain
• Loss of movement
• Knee joint collapse

When avascular necrosis of the knee joint is diagnosed, certain medical procedures may help the body build new blood vessels and bone cells to replace the dead ones. If avascular necrosis has progressed, knee replacement surgerysurgeryThe branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of disease, injury, and deformity by operation or manipula... may reduce pain and provide patients with better mobility.