Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, is a condition characterised by the death of bone tissue and the surrounding cartilage. This process most commonly affects the hip (femoral head) and the knee, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and progressive joint damage.

​

Osteonecrosis may develop due to several contributing factors, including:

​

• Excessive alcohol use

• Trauma, particularly fractures of the femoral neck

• Joint malalignment and abnormal load distribution

• Certain medications and medical conditions

• Idiopathic causes, where no clear trigger is identified

​

In the hip, osteonecrosis results in gradual deterioration of the femoral head, the ball of the hip joint. In younger patients, joint preserving procedures such as core decompression have been used, although these techniques have a limited role due to variable success rates. Given the excellent outcomes associated with hip replacement surgery, definitive joint replacement is often the most reliable treatment for advanced disease.

​

Identifying the underlying cause of osteonecrosis is an important part of management. Addressing modifiable risk factors may help slow progression in early stages and reduce the likelihood of the condition affecting the opposite joint.

​

Not all cases of osteonecrosis require surgery. Treatment depends on the severity of bone involvement, symptoms, and overall joint function. Both non surgical management and surgical options may be considered based on individual patient factors.

For patients experiencing hip pain, knee pain, or unexplained joint symptoms, specialist assessment by an orthopaedic surgeon in Melbourne is recommended