Hip Avascular Necrosis
What is it: Hip avascular necrosis (commonly called “AVN”), now better known as osteonecrosis (“osteo” means bone; “necrosis” means death), results from interruption of the normal blood flow to the femoral head, or the “ball” that fits into the hip’s socket. If left untreated, this loss of blood flow to the hip ultimately causes the “ball” to die and collapse, leading to extreme pain, loss of hip motion, and eventually, severe arthritis.
Important Facts: There are two major forms of hip avascular necrosis: traumatic or non-traumatic (meaning no injury). Hip fractures or hip joint dislocations, partial or complete, are the most common causes of hip avascular necrosis. The most common risk factor is the use of oral or IV steroid medications (corticosteroids such as Prednisone). Another very common risk factor is excessive use of alcohol: the greater the consumption of alcohol, the higher the risk of developing avascular necrosis.
Statistics: In fact, about 25% of patients with hip avascular necrosis develop the disorder for no apparent reason. About two-thirds of the people who develop hip avascular necrosis are in their 20′s and 30′s. Avascular necrosis is diagnosed in about 20,000 people each year.
Treatment Duration: Once the hip joint is severely damaged (severe collapse and arthritis), then hip replacement essentially becomes the only reasonable treatment option. If hip avascular necrosis is diagnosed in its earliest stages and the diseased area of the femoral head is very small, a procedure called core decompression and bone grafting can be done with some success.
Fortunately, there is good news for adolescents and young adults under the age of 50 diagnosed with hip avascular necrosis, including select patients with later stages of disease, larger sized lesions, and limited collapse. A highly specialized surgical procedure called free vascularized fibular grafting – a unique form of bone grafting – can restore the dying hip and prevent hip replacement with much greater success.
Do’s/Don’ts: Pain in the hip? Don’t ignore it.
Common Myths: Most young adults do not think about themselves getting ill or let alone having “arthritis” – a rite of passage envied by anyone over 40 years of age. However, this youthful mindset can delay its diagnosis. Diagnosing hip avascular necrosis can be very difficult, and what makes it most elusive is its ability to exist “silently.”
Breakthrough Treatment: At Sport and Spine Physical Therapy and Wellness Center in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, FL our Dr. Ryan Whelton implements a revolutionary treatment method for hip pain that offers immediate pain relief using no needles, no drugs, no manipulations and no surgery! This hip pain treatment is so cutting edge, you will not find this anywhere else in Tampa, FL, Wesley Chapel, FL or the U.S.
Now offering; Acupuncture, Massage, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Mental Health Counseling at our Tampa, FL and Wesley Chapel, FL locations!
Phone: 813-699-9040
Website: http://www.SSPTWC.com