What it is
Osteonecrosis is caused by reduced blood flow to the bones in joints. Healthy bone is constantly replaced by new bone; in osteonecrosis, lack of blood makes bone break down faster than the body can rebuild it. The bone begins to die and may collapse.
Where and who
- Where: one bone or several — most often the upper leg, and also the upper arm, knees, shoulders and ankles.
- Who: men and women of any age, but usually people in their thirties, forties or fifties.
Symptoms
- Early: often none.
- Later: joint pain that grows more severe, and trouble bending or moving the joint.
Risk factors
No one knows exactly what causes it, but risk factors include:
- long-term steroid treatment;
- alcohol misuse;
- joint injuries;
- certain diseases, including arthritis and cancer.
Diagnosis and treatment
- Diagnosis: imaging and other tests.
- Treatment: medicines; crutches and limiting weight-bearing activity on the joint; electrical stimulation; and surgery.
Sources
Based on "Osteonecrosis," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, drawing on the NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
LanguagesEnglish
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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