What Is Avascular Necrosis?

By kyle

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Avascular necrosis. (2020, April 22). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/avascular-necrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369859
• 2. Avascular Necrosis. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/avascular-necrosis
• 3. Osteonecrosis of the Hip - OrthoInfo - AAOS. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/osteonecrosis-of-the-hip

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7. What Are the Treatment Options for Avascular Necrosis?

A doctor may recommend medications to lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, and relieve pain. The doctor may also prescribe physical therapy to improve range of motion or an assistive device to take pressure off the affected area while performing weight-bearing activities. Electrical stimulation may stimulate new bone formation.¹Avascular necrosis. (2020, April 22). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/avascular-necrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369859

Surgery is often the most effective treatment for avascular necrosis, especially in the early stages.³Osteonecrosis of the Hip - OrthoInfo - AAOS. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/osteonecrosis-of-the-hip Common surgical procedures to treat AVN include an osteotomy, which involves removing a segment of bone to relieve the pressure, and core decompression, which promotes the development of healthy bone tissue by removing an inner layer.²Avascular Necrosis. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/avascular-necrosis Arthroplasty, or replacement of the joint with an artificial prosthesis, may be necessary for advanced cases of osteonecrosis involving bone collapse.