Avascular necrosis

Ischemic death of bone tissue resulting from impaired or interrupted blood supply, most often affecting epiphyses of weight-bearing joints and predisposing to subchondral collapse and secondary degenerative arthropathy.

Causes

• Severe bone injury: Fracture, dislocation, radiation therapy)

• Long-term use of high-dose corticosteroids

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Medical conditions: Sickle cell anemia, clotting disorder, Gaucher disease, lupus, HIV, and Caisson disease