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Avascular Necrosis Pain

Avascular necrosis pain usually develops gradually and may be mild or severe. Several treatments are available for avascular necrosis pain, including nonsurgical and surgical options. The specific treatment your doctor recommends will be based on things like your age, the location and amount of bone affected, the stage of the avascular necrosis, and other factors.

 

Avascular Necrosis Pain: An Overview

Avascular necrosis symptoms vary based on the location and severity of avascular necrosis and whether the bone is a weight-bearing one. Except in early stages, avascular necrosis pain is a common symptom.
 

Progression of Avascular Necrosis Pain

Most people with symptoms of avascular necrosis experience joint pain -- at first, only when putting weight on the affected joint, and then even when resting.
 
Avascular necrosis pain usually develops gradually and may be mild or severe.
 
If avascular necrosis progresses and the bone and surrounding joint surface collapse, avascular necrosis pain may develop or increase dramatically. Pain may be severe enough to limit the patient's range of motion in the affected joint.
 
The period of time between the first avascular necrosis pain symptoms and loss of joint function is different for each patient, ranging from several months to more than a year.
 

Treating Avascular Necrosis Pain

There are several treatments available for avascular necrosis pain, including both nonsurgical and surgical options. The specific treatment the doctor recommends for avascular necrosis pain will be based on:
 
  • The age of the patient
  • The stage of avascular necrosis (early or late)
  • The location and amount of bone affected (a small or large area)
  • The underlying cause of avascular necrosis (with an ongoing cause, such as corticosteroid or alcohol use, treatment may not work unless use of the substance is stopped).
     
(Click Avascular Necrosis Treatment for more information about treatment options for avascular necrosis.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD