What is Avascular Necrosis?

Avascular necrosis is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply.

 

Also called osteonecrosis, it can lead to tiny breaks in the bone and the bone's eventual collapse.

 

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Causes

Reduced blood supply can be caused by:

• Joint or bone trauma. An injury, such as a dislocated joint, might damage nearby blood vessels. Cancer treatments involving radiation also can weaken bone and harm blood vessels.

• Fatty deposits in blood vessels. The fat (lipids) can block small blood vessels, reducing the blood flow that feeds bones.

• Certain diseases. Medical conditions, such as sickle cell anemia and Gaucher's disease, also can cause diminished blood flow to bone

 

 

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Current management techniques

• Rest Ice, Compression, Elevation: all these techniques help to control the swelling and pain.

• Protect the area with padding to reduce nay pressure that may be leading to microrepetitive trauma

• Boot usage if in a foot is common for 6 -8 week periods

• Minimisation of strength losses via specific exercises

• Minimisation of range of motion loss via specific exercises