Avascular necrosis of the hip (AVN) is a serious condition that occurs when the blood supply to the hip bone is interrupted. This causes the bones to weaken, collapse and eventually die. AVN of the hip most commonly occurs in men between the ages of 30 and 50 and can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, alcohol use, and certain medical conditions.
Treatment for AVN of the hip depends on the stage of the condition and the general health of the patient.
In the early stages of AVN, doctors may recommend nonsurgical treatments such as rest, physical therapy, andmedication. These treatments can help reduce pain and inflammation and slow the progression of the condition. If hip AVN is caught early, further bone damage can be prevented with core decompression, which involves drilling a small hole in the affected bone to relieve pressure and increase blood flow.
More severe cases of AVN may require surgery to replace the damaged hip. The most common surgical procedure for AVN of the hip is a total hip replacement, where the damaged bones and joints are removed and replaced with a hip replacement. Surgery can be very successful in reducing pain and improving mobility, but recovery can take weeks and physical therapy is often required to regain strength and flexibility.
