Symptoms & Diagnosis

Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis of the hip is essentially a loss of blood supply to the femoral head of the hip joint. Without adequate blood flow, the structural bone and the hyaline cartilage begin to lose their ability to support the bodies' weight. This decreased blood flow can result in severe destruction of the femoral head. Early intervention may slow and possibly reverse the effects of avascular necrosis, provided that the damage is not too advanced. Avascular necrosis may be caused by a traumatic episode or alcoholism. It is also frequently seen in scuba divers who have been repeatedly exposed to deep depths.

Hip arthroscopy to view and treat the hyaline cartilage of the hip, in conjunction with a minor procedure called a "core decompression", may be indicated in the early treatment of avascular necrosis. Advanced cases of avascular necrosis normally lead to a total hip replacement.