The Warning Signs of Avascular Necrosis of the Hip

Every year between 10,000 and 20,000 Americans develop avascular necrosis. Avascular necrosis is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply and is a painful bone condition that worsens over time and affects your mobility. Avascular necrosis is often diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50. It is most commonly found in the hip joint.

Untreated avascular necrosis can worsen over time, and most people will require medications or surgery to ease the pain and improve mobility.

It can take months before noticing symptoms of Avascular Necrosis of the hip. Watch out for these warning signs:

• Hip pain that progressively gets worse, especially when you put weight on it
• Limited range of motion due in your hip
• Hip pain while lying down
• Pain in the groin, thigh and buttocks can be a symptom

The most common cause of avascular necrosis is either a traumatic injury, overuse of corticosteroid medication (like prednisone), or excessive alcohol consumption. There are preventative measures to take to avoid avascular necrosis, avoid injuries, limit alcohol, watch corticosteroid use, check cholesterol, and quit smoking

Untreated, avascular necrosis worsens with time. See a hip specialist if you have persistent hip pain for a prolonged period. Dr. Amir Jamali specializes in hip preservation using advanced techniques with biologic treatments including hip arthroscopy and other minimally invasive techniques. If you suffer from hip pain, schedule an in-depth consultation with Dr. Amir Jamali to consider your options.

Dr. Amir Jamali, founder of the Joint Preservation Institute, is a board-certified fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon in Northern California specializing in treatments for the knee, hip and shoulder