Avascular+Necrosis+Blog

Avascular Necrosis
Early in his career he started as quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, but after his physical from being traded to the Packers Brett Favre was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis, the same disease that brought player Bo Jackson's career to a crashing halt. While doctors recommended that it be the end for Favre as well, he continued his career playing over 16 seasons. Avascular necrosis, also known as osteonecrosis, is the loss of blood in the bone causing the bone to die and later collapse. The ends of long bones are primarily affected by the degenerative disease that is most commonly found in the femur. It's been approximated that near 10,000 to 20,000 people between the ages of 30 to 50 will be diagnosed with avascular necrosis. Disability can occur but is dependant upon what section is affected along with how much of the area and how effectivley the bone regenerates. In the process of bone regenartion, bones continuously break down and rebuild themselves. Unfortunately, avascular necrosis causes the bone to break down faster than it can repair itself. //Head of femur, hip joint, infected with avascular necrosis//

Avascular necrosis can be caused by a fractured or dislocated joint that also damaged the blood vessels. With the blood vessels damaged the circulation of blood flow is hindered. Excessive use of steroids may also cause avascular necrosis, but it is still unknown why long term use of steroids does so. Also, alcohol use can lead to avascular necrosis as it may build up fatty substances in the blood vessels that block them. While no symptoms are present at the beginning of avascular necrosis, joint pain will become apparent when pressure is placed on the infected area. Yet, discomfort could also occur when resting further into the disease. With the collapsing of the bone, the pain will increase. The disease is diagnosed by either an X-ray, MRI scan, CT scan, Bone scan or a biopsy usually after a simple physical examination. //MRI scan of infected femur//

Several differing treatments exist for avascular necrosis that aim to counter the degenerating bone and improve the use of the infected bone or joint. Treatment though changes based on the patient's age, how long the patient has had the disease, the location and how large of an area is infected. For patients with avascular necrosis treatment is a continuous process that involves either conservative treatment or surgical treatment. Conservative treatment could include a process to breakdown the fatty substances that block the blood vessels, using less weight on the infected area possibly through the use of crutches or pain killer medication. Range of motion excercises are important as well in order to maintain joint function. Still though, conservative treatment does not work long-term so a doctor will most likely perscribe for surgery to repair the infected area. Surgery is a permanent solution to a full recovery from avascular necrosis. Core decompression works as the inner layer of bone is removed to reduce pressure within the bone so that blood flow is possible allowing for more vessels to form. //Core decompression surgery//

Avascular necrosis can also be treated with osteotomy which reshapes the bone so that pressure will be reduced on the infected area. Also, a bone graft could help treat avascular necrosis in order to support the infected bone or joint after core decompression. Along with the transfering of bones, arteries can be included in the graft to increase the blood flow. If the avascular necrosis has entered a late stage then a complete joint replacement is the only treatment. Artificial parts are used to replace the joint completely and function the same.