Patient education: Avascular necrosis of the hip (The Basics)

What is avascular necrosis of the hip? — 

This is a condition that causes hip pain. It happens when bone tissue inside the hip doesn't get enough blood and dies. If it is not treated, it can eventually cause the hip joint to collapse.

Avascular necrosis of the hip is also called "osteonecrosis of the hip."

What are the symptoms of avascular necrosis of the hip? — 

The symptoms include:

●Pain in the groin, especially when walking

●Pain in the buttocks, thighs, and knees

●Limping

Are there tests for avascular necrosis of the hip? — 

Yes. First, your doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms and do an exam.

Tests include:

●X-ray of the hip

●MRI – This is an imaging test that creates pictures of the inside of the body.

How is avascular necrosis of the hip treated? — 

Treatments include:

●Bedrest

●Using crutches

●Medicines – These include pain medicines like ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) and medicines to prevent bone loss like alendronate (brand name: Fosamax).

●Surgery – Different kinds of surgery can help reduce pressure and pain in the hip. They include:

•Core decompression – The doctor takes out some of the inner layer of damaged bone tissue.

•Bone graft – The doctor takes healthy bone from another part of the body and puts it into the damaged area of the hip. This might be done together with core decompression.

•Osteotomy – The doctor reshapes the hip bone.

•Hip replacement – This is surgery to replace the hip with an artificial hip joint, called a "prosthesis." A prosthesis can be made out of plastic, metal, or ceramic.

Can avascular necrosis of the hip be prevented? — 

Sometimes. If you take steroid medicines, work with your doctor to take the lowest possible dose. This is because people who take these medicines are more likely to develop avascular necrosis. Steroids include prednisone or prednisolone.

What can I do on my own? — 

Try to avoid falling. It sounds simple, but you can prevent a lot of fractures by trying not to fall.

To help prevent falls:

●Make sure all rugs have a no-slip backing to keep them in place.

●Tuck away electrical cords so you won't trip over them.

●Keep all walkways well lit.

●Watch out for slippery floors.

●Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with rubber soles.

●Have your eyes checked.

●Ask your doctor or nurse to check whether any of your medicines might make you dizzy or put you at risk of falling.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call your doctor or nurse if:

●Your pain gets worse, and you cannot walk.

●You have numbness or tingling in your legs.

●You fall.

More on this topic

Patient education: Hip pain in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Deciding to have a hip replacement (The Basics)
Patient education: Osteoporosis and osteopenia (low bone mass) (The Basics)
Patient education: Calcium and vitamin D for bone health (The Basics)
Patient education: Preventing falls in adults (The Basics)

Patient education: Osteoporosis prevention and treatment (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Total hip replacement (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Calcium and vitamin D for bone health (Beyond the Basics)