Understanding Avascular Necrosis of the Hip
Jaipur Joints Care
Blood supply to the top of the thigh bone (the femoral head) is interrupted. This ultimately results in avascular necrosis of the hip, or AVN.When the blood supply is disturbed, the bone tissue in the hip joint dies which causes pain and possibly damage to the joint.
Causes of Avascular Necrosis of the Hip
Although the specific reason for AVN may remain unknown in most cases, various factors are responsible for it. Chronic use of corticosteroid drugs, alcohol consumption, and other illnesses like lupus and sickle cell disease can all affect hip blood flow, resulting into the death of bone cells.
Multiple factors increase the risk of developing AVN, such as:
- Hip joint injuries.
- Long-term use of corticosteroids.
- Excessive alcohol intake.
- Underlying medical conditions like sickle cell disease, lupus, or HIV.
- Previous radiation therapy.
- Smoking.
Symptoms of Avascular Necrosis of the Hip
The symptoms of AVN can be different depending on what stage of the condition someone is experiencing. Early on, there may not be any visible symptoms, but as the condition progresses, the common signs and symptoms may include:
- A local persistent hip pain that gets worse with physical activity.
- Trouble walking and weight bearing on the affected hip.
- Limited motion of the hip joint.
- Any discomfort in the groin or thigh.
Clinical Examination
If you have experienced consistent pain or any of the symptoms above, it's important to get a good medical opinion. Depending on what your orthopedic surgeon needs to do, below are the steps for a thorough evaluation:
Your orthopedic doctor in Mansarovar, Jaipur will want a thorough medical history to question your symptoms, past medical history, and risk factors.
A physical examination of your hip joint will also be performed. The orthopedic surgeon will examine your hip joint to see if it is sore, swollen, or has restricted range of motion.
Imaging (usually X-rays, MRI, and CT scan) may be ordered to visualize the hip joint and assess any bone damage (either break, fracture, or growth) in the joint.
Treatment Options for AVN Hip Pain
Treatment of AVN helps relieve pain, maintain joint movement of the affected hip, and prevent any further deterioration. Treatment methods may differ, based on the stage of AVN and the severity of symptoms. Available treatment options include:
Pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), help reduce inflammation.
Stop activity that exacerbates any pain or discomfort associated with AVN, and limit or stop any weight-bearing activity to avoid more stress on the joint.
Exercises and stretches targeted specifically to the hips (as prescribed by a physician) will improve hip joint flexibility as well as strengthen the muscles around the hip joint.
A portion of the damaged bone is surgically removed to decrease the pressure inside the hip joint to promote the healing of new bone.
When all conservative treatments have failed for advanced AVN, total hip replacement surgery is recommended. An artificial joint (prosthesis) is used here.
Guidelines for Hip Replacement Surgery
If hip replacement surgery is indicated, your doctor will give you specific instructions before your procedure for the best chance of a successful surgery. You might be given instructions regarding:
You need to take some of your medications (i.e. blood thinners) before surgery.
You might be instructed to stop eating and drinking a certain amount of time before surgery to minimize the risk of complications associated with anesthesia.
You may have blood tests, ultrasound, or other tests done to evaluate your current health and the risks associated with surgery.
Your best orthopedic surgeon in Jaipur, may provide recommendations about your health, such as quitting smoking or addressing weight gain, to improve your health and recovery.
Advanced AVN Hip Treatment Options
If you've got hip pain, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible, an early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage to your hip joint and can help improve your quality of life. Contact Dr. Rakesh Verma today to make an appointment.