Hip AVN (Avascular Necrosis): Symptoms & Causes

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that helps connect the leg and pelvis together. It allows the leg to move in a wide range of motion, including side-to-side, forward and backward, and rotating in and out. It bears the weight of the upper body and transfers the force of gravity to the lower extremities.

The hip joint is also responsible for stabilizing the trunk and providing support when we stand, walk, or run. The hip joint is a “weight-bearing” joint, which means that it supports the weight of the body.

The bones of the hip joint are the femur (thigh bone) and the pelvis. The femur head (the round top of the thigh bone) fits snugly into a socket in the pelvis called the acetabulum. The joint is held together by a network of strong ligaments and muscles. The ligaments around the joint provide stability, while the muscles around it provide power and movement.

The hip joint is a “ball-and-socket” joint, which means that it allows for a wide range of motion. This joint can move in many directions, including side-to-side, forward and backward, and rotating in and out.

It goes without saying that the hip joint is one of the most important joints in our body. It supports the weight of the upper body and transfers the force of gravity to the lower extremities. It is also responsible for stabilizing the trunk and providing support when we stand, walk, or run.

What is AVASCULAR NECROSIS?

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a condition that results when there is a loss of blood supply to the bone. This can cause the bone to die, and may eventually lead to the collapse of the affected bone. AVN most commonly affects the hip, but can also occur in other bones, such as the shoulder, ankle, and elbow.

It can be caused by a number of things, including trauma, certain medical conditions like sickle cell disease and use of certain medications like steroids.

Symptoms of AVN may include pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion in the affected joint. The pain may worsen with activity or at night. As the condition progresses, the bone may collapse, which can lead to deformity.

Treatment for AVN may include rest, medicines, weight-bearing restrictions, and the use of crutches or a cane. Surgery may also be necessary to repair or replace the affected bone. AVN is a serious condition that can cause pain and disability. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to avoid long-term complications.

AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF THE HIP:

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip is a condition that results from interruption of the blood supply to the hip joint. This interruption of blood flow leads to death of the bone tissue in the hip joint. AVN of the hip is also known as osteonecrosis, aseptic necrosis, or ischemic necrosis.

AVN of the hip most commonly affects the femoral head, the “ball” at the top of the thighbone (femur) that forms the hip joint. AVN of the hip may also affect the hip socket (acetabulum). AVN of the hip often occurs without a known cause (idiopathic).

However, there are many known risk factors for AVN of the hip, including:

• Alcohol abuse
• Anabolic steroid use
• Cigarette smoking
• Corticosteroid use (long-term, high-dose)
• Sickle cell disease
• Trauma to the hip
• Undergoing hip surgery

What are the symptoms of Hip AVN?

When you experience these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a hip vascular specialist. The most common symptom of AVN of the hip is pain. The pain may be constant or intermittent and may worsen with activity like sitting cross leg or squatting. As the condition progresses, the pain may become more severe and constant.

Other symptoms of AVN of the hip may include:

• Stiffness in the hip joint
• Limited range of motion at the hip
• Weakness of the leg of the affected side
• Lower back pain or thigh pain

How is Hip AVN diagnosed

Your health is our concern which is why Aadicura Superspeciality Hopsital has an expert team of Hip Specialists in Vadodara who will accurately diagnose and thoroughly treat your condition.

A “grating” sensation when the hip is moved AVN of the hip is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. X-rays are the initial prescribed tests.

They may show early changes of AVN of the hip, but the diagnosis is often confirmed with MRI. AVN of the hip is a progressive condition.

How to treat Hip AVN?

AVN of the hip is a serious condition that can cause significant pain and disability. Which is why as your ultimate care givers, our expert team of Hip Surgeons in Vadodara at Aadicura Superspeciality hospital are skilled in treating all conditions of your hip and complications with the utmost accuracy and efficiency.

In its early stages, AVN of the hip may be treated with conservative measures, such as rest, activity modification,medicine, physiotherapy and weight loss.

Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, may be prescribed to help control pain. If conservative measures are unsuccessful in controlling pain or halting the progression of AVN of the hip, surgery may be necessary.

There are several surgical options depending on the stage of the disease for treating AVN of the hip, including:

• Core decompression. This surgery involves making a small hole in the femoral head to relieve pressure and improve blood
• Stem cell therapy with core decompression
• Hip replacement. This surgery involves replacing the damaged hip joint with an artificial joint.
• This surgery involves cutting and realigning the bone to take pressure off the damaged area.
• Bone graft. This surgery involves using bone from another area of the body to fill in the damaged area.

While there is no cure for AVN of the hip, early diagnosis and treatment may help to slow the progression of the condition and improve the chances of a good outcome.