Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
Treatment in Chandigarh
AVN (also called osteonecrosis) is the death of bone tissue due to interrupted blood supply. Dr. Sandeep Gupta offers stage-appropriate treatment — from early-stage core decompression to total hip replacement — at Max Hospital Mohali.
Book ConsultationAbout the Condition
What is Avascular Necrosis (AVN)?
Avascular necrosis occurs when blood supply to the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) is disrupted. Without blood supply, the bone tissue dies and the femoral head can collapse — causing severe joint damage that eventually requires hip replacement.
AVN can affect patients of all ages, but is particularly common in people who have taken long-term steroid medication, those with sickle cell disease, excessive alcohol use, or those who suffered a hip fracture or dislocation.
Early diagnosis through MRI is critical — treatment at Stage I or II can preserve the femoral head. By Stage III or IV, hip replacement is typically required.
Causes of AVN
Steroid use
Long-term corticosteroid medication (for asthma, autoimmune conditions) is the leading cause of AVN in young patients.
Alcohol use
Excessive alcohol consumption disrupts fat metabolism and may cause fatty emboli that block blood vessels.
Trauma
A hip fracture or dislocation can damage the blood vessels supplying the femoral head.
Sickle Cell Disease
Abnormal blood cells can block small vessels, cutting off blood supply to bone.
Decompression Sickness
Seen in deep-sea divers. Nitrogen bubbles form in blood and block vessels.
Idiopathic
In some cases, no cause is found. Idiopathic AVN accounts for 20–30% of all cases.