Overview
Causes
- Joint injury
- Fat deposition
- Cholesterol
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Obesity
- Sickle cell disease
- Usage of steroids and certain other medications
Symptoms
Early stages of AVN are often without any symptoms. As the condition worsens one may end up having pain on walking and also notice the stiffness. Pain can gradually worsen and eventually lead to pain at night as well. Pain is commonly felt in the groin area or in the C shaped area around the hip. In some the pain can radiate to the knee.
Natural History (Progression of disease in the absence of treatment)
AVN of hip is a slow progressing condition, where it gradually progresses from stage 1 to stage 4. This transition takes place over a period of 1 to 3 years. In a small percentage of patients it halts at a particular stage and doesn’t progress. Once it reaches stage 3 and 4, the only option of treatment to cure would be total hip replacement.
When to see the Doctor?
This is one condition where the sooner the diagnosis is made the better. In majority of patients, the condition gradually deteriorates. Advanced AVN leads to collapse of the bone and change in the shape of the bone. Once these irreversible changes occur the conservative management may not be ideal for those patients.
What treatment modalities are available?
The treatment modalities include medicines, core decompression and stem cell therapy or Total Hip Replacement depending on the stage of avascular necrosis.
