Avascular Necrosis
Avascular Necrosis and the Elderly
23/03/11 16:48
From the Mayo Clinic:
Avascular necrosis is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. Also called osteonecrosis, avascular necrosis can lead to tiny breaks in the bone and the bone's eventual collapse.
The blood flow to a section of bone can be interrupted if the bone is fractured or the joint becomes dislocated. Avascular necrosis is also associated with long-term use of high-dose steroid medications and excessive alcohol intake.
The most common joint affected by avascular necrosis is the hip. Avascular necrosis worsens with time, so managing it is a lifelong process.
Avascular necrosis typically causes pain and reduced range of motion in the affected joint. The most common joints affected by avascular necrosis include:
• Hip. In addition to pain in the hip joint itself, pain also may radiate into your groin or go down your thigh to your knee.
• Knee. In avascular necrosis of the knee, the pain occurs most often on the inside of the knee and worsens with activity.
• Shoulder. Several bones come together at the shoulder, but the one most commonly affected by avascular necrosis is the upper
arm bone.
Some people experience avascular necrosis bilaterally — for example, in both hips or in both knees. Signs and symptoms may appear suddenly if caused by an injury. In other cases, the pain and stiffness may build up slowly over several months. Some people with avascular necrosis experience no symptoms at all.
Other joints that are affected by avascular necrosis include:
• Ankles
• Feet
• Hands
• Jaw
• Spine
• Wrists
* See your doctor if you experience persistent pain in any joint. Seek immediate medical attention if you believe you have a broken bone or a dislocated joint.
*Original article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/avascular-necrosis/DS00650/DSECTION=symptoms
Avascular necrosis is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. Also called osteonecrosis, avascular necrosis can lead to tiny breaks in the bone and the bone's eventual collapse.
The blood flow to a section of bone can be interrupted if the bone is fractured or the joint becomes dislocated. Avascular necrosis is also associated with long-term use of high-dose steroid medications and excessive alcohol intake.
The most common joint affected by avascular necrosis is the hip. Avascular necrosis worsens with time, so managing it is a lifelong process.
Avascular necrosis typically causes pain and reduced range of motion in the affected joint. The most common joints affected by avascular necrosis include:
• Hip. In addition to pain in the hip joint itself, pain also may radiate into your groin or go down your thigh to your knee.
• Knee. In avascular necrosis of the knee, the pain occurs most often on the inside of the knee and worsens with activity.
• Shoulder. Several bones come together at the shoulder, but the one most commonly affected by avascular necrosis is the upper
arm bone.
Some people experience avascular necrosis bilaterally — for example, in both hips or in both knees. Signs and symptoms may appear suddenly if caused by an injury. In other cases, the pain and stiffness may build up slowly over several months. Some people with avascular necrosis experience no symptoms at all.
Other joints that are affected by avascular necrosis include:
• Ankles
• Feet
• Hands
• Jaw
• Spine
• Wrists
* See your doctor if you experience persistent pain in any joint. Seek immediate medical attention if you believe you have a broken bone or a dislocated joint.
*Original article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/avascular-necrosis/DS00650/DSECTION=symptoms
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