Aseptic necrosis is a painful disorder characterized by the death of bone tissues from improper blood supply. It results in tiny breaks within the bone, resulting in its collapse. The condition may take a few months to some years to progress. A dislocated joint or broken bone can cease the blood flow to a portion of the bone. Keep reading to learn more about aseptic necrosis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Causes

Some trigger factors that worsen one’s risk of developing aseptic necrosis are listed below.

1. Trauma – Dislocating or breaking a hip can destroy the blood vessels in proximity and cease the blood supply to the bone. Hence, approximately twenty percent of people who dislocate a hip get aseptic necrosis.
2. Treatments– Some treatments, such as organ transplants, especially kidney transplants, or radiation therapy for cancer, weaken the bones and causes aseptic necrosis.
3. Health conditions– Damage to the arteries, inflammation, and blood clots curtail the blood flow to the bones, resulting in aseptic necrosis.
4. Fatty deposits in the blood vessels can reduce blood flow to bones, leading to aseptic necrosis.

Other conditions that heighten one’s susceptibility to developing aseptic necrosis are-

1. HIV
2. Diabetes
3. Decompression sickness
4. Sickle cell disease
5. Autoimmune diseases like lupus
6. Pancreas inflammation or Pancreatitis
7. Gaucher disease, wherein fatty substances accumulate in the organs

Symptoms

Symptoms usually take some weeks or months to show. Some common warning signs associated with aseptic necrosis are listed below.

1. Pain that comes and goes, becoming alleviated when pressure is applied to the bone and subsequently released.
2. Escalating pain and stiffness in the joints
3. Restricted mobility range
4. Development of a limp in cases where the condition affects the hips or knees
5. Challenges encountered when ascending stairs, standing, or walking

Diagnosis

Health experts may advise various tests to diagnose aseptic necrosis, which include –

• X-rays
• CT and MRI scan
• Bone scan

Treatments

A healthcare professional will suggest the treatment options for aseptic necrosis depending on-

1. Disease’s extent
2. Factors such as age, general health status, and health history
3. Site and degree of bone involvement
4. The underlying cause of the condition
5. Anticipated disease progression
6. Patient’s preferences

The goal of treatment is to prevent further damage to the joint or bone and ensure better functionality. Treatments help prevent the joints from breaking down and usually include-

1. Assistive devices to lower the pressure on the joint or bone
2. A bone graft procedure wherein a healthy bone is transplanted from another body part into the affected area
3. Prescription remedies to reduce or cease the pain
4. Core decompression is a surgical procedure wherein the bone’s inner layer is removed to boost blood flow, lower pressure, and stop or slow the bone or joint destruction.
5. Osteotomy is a procedure to reshape the bone and lower the stress on the affected area.
6. Joint replacement is a surgical procedure to replace and remove a damaged or arthritic joint with an artificial joint. Health experts recommend this treatment only when other options do not relieve the discomfort.

Besides these, a healthcare professional may suggest other treatments that involve combination therapies or electrical stimulation to facilitate bone growth.