Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis) Treatment in Gurgaon , India
What is Avascular Necrosis?
Avascular necrosis is a condition where bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. This can cause tiny fractures and eventually lead to the collapse of the bone, especially near joints. It often develops over months or years.Common causes include broken bones, dislocated joints, long-term use of high-dose steroids, and excessive alcohol consumption. Although anyone can be affected, it typically occurs in people aged 30 to 50.The condition can affect any bone but most often impacts the ends of long bones. It may involve one or multiple bones at the same time or at different times.Healthy bone tissue relies on continuous blood flow to regenerate. When this cycle is disrupted, the bone cannot repair itself, leading to weakening, breakdown, and collapse.
What Causes AVN?
Several factors can block blood flow to the bones:
Injuries such as fractures or joint dislocations can damage blood vessels.
High-dose steroids (like prednisone) taken over a long period increase risk.
Heavy alcohol use interferes with bone rebuilding and blood flow.
Medical conditions including sickle cell disease, lupus, pancreatitis, and HIV can reduce bone circulation.
Certain treatments like radiation or chemotherapy, may also lead to AVN.
What are the Symptoms of Avascular Necrosis?
AVN develops slowly. At first, people might not feel anything. As the disease progresses, pain usually begins during activity and worsens over time. Eventually, the pain can persist even when resting. Common symptoms include:
When to Consult the Doctor for Avascular Necrosis?
See a doctor if you have ongoing joint pain, especially in the hip, knee, or shoulder, or if you have risk factors like long-term steroid use, alcohol abuse, or past joint injuries. Early diagnosis helps prevent joint damage and may reduce the need for surgery.
What are the Different Types of AVN?
Avascular Necrosis can be classified based on the cause and the affected area:
Traumatic AVN
This type occurs after a physical injury, such as a fracture or joint dislocation, which damages the blood vessels supplying the bone. It's commonly seen after hip fractures.
Non-traumatic AVN
Develops without direct injury and is linked to factors like long-term steroid use, excessive alcohol consumption, or chronic medical conditions such as lupus or sickle cell disease.
Idiopathic AVN
In these cases, the cause of AVN remains unknown. It may arise spontaneously in otherwise healthy individuals with no identifiable risk factors.
Localized AVN
Affects a single bone or joint, often the hip or knee. Symptoms and damage are confined to one area, allowing for targeted treatment.
Systemic AVN
Involves multiple bones or joints either at the same time or progressively over time. It often indicates an underlying systemic condition affecting overall blood supply.
What are the Diagnosis methods?
The doctor evaluates the symptoms and performs a physical examination to check for joint pain and assess the range of motion. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may recommend the following imaging and diagnostic tests:
Bone scan
A technician injects a small amount of radioactive material into the bloodstream. The scan highlights areas of bone damage, which appear as bright spots on the image.
X-ray
The doctor uses X-rays to view the affected bone. In the early stages of AVN, the images may appear normal, but in later stages, noticeable bone changes become visible.
MRI and CT scan
These imaging tests create detailed pictures of the bone. The doctor uses them to detect early changes in bone structure and monitor disease progression.
Biopsy
The doctor may remove a small sample of bone tissue to check for cancer or other abnormal cells.
Functional bone evaluation
In some cases, the doctor performs a surgical procedure to measure pressure inside the bone and assess its function.
What are the Treatment Methods ?
Based on the patient's age, affected bones, the extent of damage, and overall health, the doctor will formulate a treatment plan:
Non-surgical treatments:
Medications (pain relievers, anti-inflammatories)
Blood thinners (in select cases)
Physical therapy
Reduced weight-bearing activities
Surgical treatments:
The primary goal of surgery is to restore blood flow to the affected bone. Surgeons may achieve this through several procedures:
The surgeon drills small holes into the affected bone or removes part of its inner layer. This reduces internal pressure, improvesblood circulation, and helps prevent further bone or joint damage. Surgeons may also perform grafting to support bone healing.
The surgeon removes the damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial implant. This procedure significantly reduces pain and restores joint mobility.
The surgeon reshapes the bone to shift weight away from the damaged area, reducing stress and improving joint function.
Doctors may also use electrical stimulation and combine various therapies to encourage bone regeneration and healing.
What Happens During Avascular Necrosis?
During avascular necrosis (AVN), the blood supply to a part of the bone is disrupted or completely cut off. Without oxygen and nutrients, bone cells begin to die. Over time, this leads to the weakening of the bone structure, causing tiny fractures. If untreated, the bone can collapse entirely, especially in weight-bearing joints like the hip, knee, or ankle. The surrounding cartilage may also deteriorate, resulting in arthritis and joint stiffness.
What to Expect After Avascular Necrosis Surgery?
After surgery for AVN, most patients feel gradual relief from chronic pain. However, recovery takes time. You may need to use crutches or a walker to avoid stressing the joint. Physical therapy will help you regain strength, flexibility, and movement. Swelling and mild discomfort are common initially. Most people can return to daily activities within a few months, depending on the type of surgery and the stage of AVN.
What are the Advantages of Treating Avascular Necrosis?
Treating AVN early can significantly slow or even stop the progression of the disease. It reduces chronic pain, improves joint movement, and helps you return to normal function. In early stages, non-surgical methods can preserve your natural joints. In advanced stages, surgical treatment like core decompression or joint replacement can restore mobility and enhance quality of life.
What are the Risks Associated with Avascular Necrosis Treatment?
All medical treatments carry some risk. For AVN, non-surgical options may not always be effective, especially in advanced stages. Surgical risks include infection, blood clots, bleeding, nerve damage, and complications from anesthesia. Joint replacements can occasionally loosen, wear out, or fail, requiring revision surgery. However, these risks are relatively rare when surgery is done by skilled specialists.
Recovery Tips After Avascular Necrosis Surgery
Recovery is a gradual process and success depends on how well you follow post-surgical care. Key tips include:
Follow your doctor’s instructions on medication and wound care
Avoid putting weight on the affected limb until cleared
Attend all physiotherapy sessions to regain strength and mobility
Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein to promote bone healing
Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can delay healing
Get regular follow-up checkups to monitor your progress
Why Choose Artemis Hospital for AVN Treatment in Gurgaon?
Artemis Hospital, a leading multi-specialty hospital in Gurgaon, offers:
To book an appointment with the top Orthopaedic surgeons for Avascular Necrosis at Artemis Hospitals, call our customer care at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp us at +91 9599285476. You can also schedule an appointment through our online patient portal or download and register on the Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices.
Reviewed By Dr. Inderpreet Singh Oberoi
Chairperson - Orthopaedics, Robotic Surgery
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve been diagnosed with AVN. Is it a serious condition?
Yes, it can be. AVN means the blood supply to a bone is reduced or cut off, causing the bone tissue to die. Early treatment can help slow or stop the damage.
Can AVN spread to other people?
No, AVN is not contagious. It’s a medical condition caused by reduced blood flow, not an infection.
What causes AVN?
It’s often linked to injury, long-term steroid use, alcohol abuse, or certain medical conditions like lupus. Sometimes, it happens without a clear cause (idiopathic AVN).
Do I need to go to a specialized hospital in a big city for AVN treatment?
Not necessarily. Many reputable hospitals—including those in cities like Gurgaon—offer high-quality AVN care with experienced orthopedic specialists and modern treatments.
Will I need surgery for AVN?
Not always. Early stages can often be managed with medication, physical therapy, or procedures like core decompression. Advanced stages may require joint replacement surgery.
Is the surgery painful? How long will recovery take?
With modern techniques and pain management, surgery is much more comfortable than before. Recovery depends on the procedure, but most people are up and moving within weeks, with physical therapy helping a lot.
Can I walk or exercise with AVN?
Gentle activity is okay, but high-impact exercise or putting too much weight on the affected joint can make things worse. Your doctor will guide you based on your condition.
Does AVN only affect older people? I’m in my 30s.
AVN can affect younger adults too, especially if there are risk factors like steroid use, trauma, or alcohol abuse. Early detection is key.
I don’t have any pain—can I still have AVN?
Yes, AVN can be silent in the early stages. That’s why imaging (like MRI) is important if you're at risk or if something feels “off” in a joint.
Are there any home remedies or alternative treatments that work for AVN?
No proven home or alternative remedies can stop AVN. Medical treatment is essential. Delaying proper care can lead to joint collapse and more complex surgery later.
