Aseptic necrosis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Aseptic necrosis

Alternative Names:

Avascular necrosis; Osteonecrosis; Ischemic bone necrosis; AVN

Symptoms:

Unfortunately there are no symptoms in the early stages of aseptic necrosis. As bone damageprogresses, you may have the following symptoms.

Pain in the joint that may increase gradually and will become very severe if the bone collapses
Limited range of motion
If the affected joint is the hip -- groin pain
Limping, if aseptic necrosis occurs in the hips or below

Signs and tests:

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Your healthcare provider will perform a complete physical examination to find out if you have any diseases or conditions that may affect your bones. You will be asked questions regarding your symptoms and medical history.

When did the pain start?
Does the pain radiate (spread) anywhere?
Is it constant, or does it get better at night or at rest?
Have you noticed any difference in your mobility (how much or how far you can move)?
Do pain relievers help?
Are you taking any steroids now, or have you ever taken them?
Do you drink alcohol? If so, how much?

Be sure to let your healthcare provider know of any medication or vitamin supplements you currently take, even over-the-counter medicine.

Following the exam, your doctor will order one or more of the following:

X-ray(Although, x-rays are not always sensitive enough to diagnose aseptic necrosis, especially in the earlier stages.)
MRI
Bone scan
CT scan

References:

Canale ST (ed). Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2003.

Lackner H, Benesch M, Moser A, Smolle-Juttner F, Linhart W, Raith J, Urban C. Aseptic osteonecrosis in children and adolescents treated for hemato-oncologic diseases: a 13-year longitudinal observational study. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2005 May;27(5):259-63.

Powars DR, Chan LS, Hiti A, Ramicone E, Johnson C. Outcome of Sickle Cell Anemia: A 4-Decade Observational Study of 1056 Patients. Medicine (Baltimore). 2005 Nov;84(6):363-376.