What is Avascular Necrosis? Does Hip Replacement Cure Avascular Necrosis?

‘Does Hip Replacement cure Avascular Necrosis?’, was one of the queries we received this week from a patient and with this blog we not only answer this question but also give you background on this medical condition, improve your awareness and also answer the question. So read on:

What is Avascular Necrosis?

Avascular Necrosis is a localised bone disease where the bone dies due to lack of blood supply. Given the bone cells need a steady supply of blood, lack of blood supply weakens the bone which fails to function normally and eventually collapses (dies). Avascular Necrosis can happen to any bone anywhere and when this happens to a bone near a joint, the joint collapses.

Also called osteonecrosis, this condition can happen to any bone near any joint but most commonly it happens to the hip bone. While the stats in India are not known, every year around 20,000 people in the US are affected by Avascular Necrosis to bone in the hip joint.

Avascular Necrosis to Hip – Hip Osteonecrosis:

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint formed by acetabulum (socket) in the pelvis and femoral head (ball on the thigh bone). Both surfaces are lined by cartilage that helps in the smooth gliding of the hip joint. When the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, the head and eventually the cartilage collapses leading to the painful condition of hip osteonecrosis.

Symptoms & Causes:

This disease progresses in four stages and symptoms start with hip pain, followed by the intense throbbing in the hip and the groin. As the necrosis progresses it can become difficult to walk or even stand. It can take around a year for the disease to progress which happens in four stages.

Injury, damage to the blood vessels, fracture, excessive alcohol usage, long term usage of corticosteroids, or chronic medical conditions are some of the common causes of Avascular Necrosis.

Avascular Necrosis Treatment:

A patient who experiences the above symptoms are studied using imaging tests, scans, and other specific diagnostic procedures to identify the condition. The treatment for Avascular Necrosis in Mumbai depends upon the age, specific stage, progression, and underlying cause of the disease.

Avascular Necrosis treatment can include treatment options ranging from medication, core decompression, assisted devices, osteotomy, and bone graft and ultimately joint replacement.

So, Does Hip Replacement Cure Avascular Necrosis?

Yes, Hip replacement surgery can be considered as the ultimate Hip avascular necrosis treatment. Given it is an advanced procedure it is only considered by a hip replacement surgeon in Mumbai after every other treatment option fails to provide relief and curtail the bone damage.

If you are suffering from Avascular Necrosis and are looking for the best treatment for Avascular Necrosis in Mumbai, Dr Chirag Patel is the best joint replacement surgeon in Mumbai with years of experience in treating Avascular Necrosis. He has successfully helped patients recover from Avascular Necrosis using both non-surgical treatment and Hip Replacement surgery in Mumbai. You can contact him here: https://www.drpatelchirag.com/