Osteonecrosis of the hip is a condition in which the blood supply to the thigh bone (femur) is disrupted, causing the bone in the femoral head to die. The femoral head slowly collapses and so does the cartilage covering the hip bones. This can lead to severe arthritis and is very painful. Hip replacement may be required. Osteonecrosis is also called avascular necrosis, aseptic necrosis, or ischemic bone necrosis. It can happen in other parts of the body, but the hip is the most common.
Symptoms of Hip Necrosis
At first, hip necrosis does not produce symptoms. As it progresses it becomes painful. When the pain starts it may only be when you put weight on the affected hip and over time progress to the point that it hurts when lying down. The pain may be mild or severe and may affect one or both hips. It may be felt in the thigh, groin, or buttock.
Detecting and treating hip necrosis early my lead to a better outcome. In the early stages treatment may consist of correcting the problem that is causing the lack of blood flow to the bone. Electrical stimulation may encourage new bone growth. In later stages, surgery may be necessary.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hi necrosis is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 65 and is more common in men than women. Risk factors and causes include:
- Hip dislocation
- Femur fracture
- Excessive alcohol use
- Bisphosphonate use
- Chronic corticosteroid use
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Blood clots
- Damage to arteries
- Inflammation
- Decompression sickness (the bends)
- Diabetes
- Sickle cell disease
- Myeloproliferative disorders
- Gaucher’s disease
- Lupus
- Crohn’s disease
- Pancreatitis
- HIV
