Avascular Necrosis Treatment at TX Hospitals
Avascular necrosis (AVN)  also known as osteonecrosis, a slow-growing pathology that results from the death of bone tissue due to a loss of blood supply. If left untreated, this can result in joint pain, limited mobility, and even breakdown of the bone. AVN mostly affects the hip joint, but it can also affect your shoulder, knee, or ankle. Although it can occur at any age, it is more prevalent between the ages of 30–50 years. To avoid serious complications, diagnosis and treatment must be initiated as soon as possible.
TX Hospitals, one of the leading hospitals in Hyderabad for rheumatology care, offers diagnostic and treatment systems that incorporate innovative science-practice along with the art of great medicine for successful patient outcomes.
Symptoms of Avascular Necrosis:
Recognizing the symptoms of Avascular Necrosis early is crucial for initiating timely treatment. Common signs include:
- Pain & Discomfort: Chronic pain in the affected joint, typically aggravated by weight-bearing activities.
- Limited Mobility: Restricted joint movement, resulting in stiffness.
- Swelling and Tenderness: Persistent swelling and tenderness in the affected joint.
- Gradual Progression of Symptoms: Initial pain associated with activity progresses to persistent pain even at rest.
Causes of Avascular Necrosis
AVN occurs due to an interrupted blood supply to the bone. Common causes include:
- Trauma or Injury: Bone fractures or dislocations can damage blood vessels supplying the bone.
- Corticosteroid Use: Long-term or high-dose use of corticosteroids can impair blood supply.
- Alcohol Use: Heavy drinking can cause fat deposits in blood vessels, reducing blood flow.
- Medical Disorders: Conditions such as sickle cell anemia, lupus, and Gaucher’s disease are associated with AVN.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and poor dietary habits can hinder bone healing.
Complications
If left untreated, AVN can lead to severe complications such as:
- Joint Collapse: Complete collapse of the joint structure, often requiring surgery.
- Osteoarthritis: Secondary arthritis due to joint damage.
- Chronic Pain: Persistent discomfort significantly impacting daily life.
- Disability: Long-term mobility issues requiring walking aids.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of avascular necrosis is dependent on a detailed history, physical examination, and more sophisticated imaging studies:
- Carefully taken history & Physical exam: Detailed symptoms, life history including steroid use or alcohol use, followed by examination to check for range of motion at joint, tenderness and pain.
- Imaging Studies:
- X–rays: Helpful in the later stages to detect alterations of bone structure or collapse of the joints.
- MRI: It is the gold standard of early diagnosis, showing blood supply abnormalities and early bone damage.
- CT scan — a more detailed view of bone structure and damage
- Bone scans — show areas with low blood flow or metabolic activity.
- Blood Tests: These tests are not specific for AVN but can find other disorders that may be contributing to AVN such as an autoimmune illness or a clotting disorder.
Treatment Options
TX Hospitals, one of the best Rheumatology hospitals in Hyderabad, helps you with making personalized treatment plans for the patient which include:
Medications
- Pain Relief: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.
- Bisphosphonates In early AVN: slow progression of bone injury
- Blood thinners for improved blood supply to the affected bone.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Maintain a healthy weight to relieve pressure on joints.
- Avoiding smoking and reducing alcohol consumption for the benefit of bone health.
Physical Therapy
- Tailored rehabilitation exercises to improve joint movement and build muscle strength around joints
- Assisting devices to unload weight-bearing from the involved joint (e.g. crutches, wheelchair, etc.)
Surgical Interventions
- Core Decompression: A more minimally invasive option to relieve pressure and promote blood flow to the affected area.
- Bone Grafting: This technique involves transplanting healthy bone tissue to restore damaged areas and maintain full joint integrity.
- Osteotomy: Cut bone and move it so that that the force on it is transmitted to another, healthier part of the bone.
- Total joint replacement (total hip replacement) to relieve pain and restore mobility in more advanced cases.
Conclusion
Although AVN is a serious and life threatening disease, it is treatable at the early stages. Patient can respond back to life with precious amount of quality of life, which is possible through awareness regarding symptoms, causes and treatment options available. TX Hospitals embraces state-of-the-art technology, state-of-the-art treatments, and an all-out attitude of care to achieve the best and most successful results possible. Consult our Rheumatology specialists at TX Hospitals, Hyderabad and take your first step towards your recovery today! Book an appointment now!
FAQ's
In its early stages, AVN can sometimes be slowed or managed with medications, lifestyle changes, and therapies. However, full reversal is rare without medical intervention.
While natural remedies cannot cure AVN, a nutrient-rich diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and low-impact exercises can support overall bone health and slow progression.
For advanced AVN, surgical options like core decompression, bone grafting, or joint replacement offer the best outcomes, tailored to the patient’s condition.
Low-impact, therapist-guided exercises can improve mobility and strengthen muscles. High-impact activities should be avoided to prevent worsening the condition.
Untreated AVN can lead to joint collapse, severe pain, osteoarthritis, and disability, often requiring major surgery to restore joint function.
Yes, TX Hospitals specializes in advanced minimally invasive procedures like core decompression and bone grafting, which reduce recovery time and effectively restore blood flow to affected bones.