What is aseptic necrosis?

Listen to pronunciation. (ay-SEP-tik neh-KROH-sis) A condition in which there is a loss of blood flow to bone tissue, which causes the bone to die. It is most common in the hips, knees, shoulders, and ankles.

Is aseptic necrosis the same as osteonecrosis?

Aseptic necrosis is a bone condition that results from poor blood supply to an area of bone, causing localized bone death. This is a serious condition because the dead areas of bone do not function normally, are weakened, and can collapse. Aseptic necrosis is also referred to as avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis.

Is aseptic necrosis painful?

Many people have no symptoms in the early stages of avascular necrosis. As the condition worsens, your affected joint might hurt only when you put weight on it. Eventually, you might feel the pain even when you’re lying down. Pain can be mild or severe and usually develops gradually.

Does osteonecrosis go away?

Nonsurgical measures Osteonecrosis heals without treatment in some people if the disorder is diagnosed early and if the affected area is small and not in the major weight-bearing area. Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee is usually treated without surgery, and pain usually resolves.

How do you fix osteonecrosis?

The options include:

Core decompression. The surgeon removes part of the inner layer of your bone.
Bone transplant (graft). This procedure can help strengthen the area of bone affected by avascular necrosis.
Bone reshaping (osteotomy).
Joint replacement.
Regenerative medicine treatment.

Can necrosis be reversed?

Necrosis is the death of body tissue. It occurs when too little blood flows to the tissue. This can be from injury, radiation, or chemicals. Necrosis cannot be reversed.

What is the best treatment for AVN?

Treatment

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) might help relieve the pain associated with avascular necrosis.
Osteoporosis drugs.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Blood thinners.
Rest.
Exercises.
Electrical stimulation.