What Is Hip Osteonecrosis?
Hip osteonecrosis occurs when the blood supply to the highest part of the femoral head is disrupted. This lack of nourishment causes the bone tissue to die, leading to gradual collapse and potential degeneration of the underlying cartilage. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, with the femoral head as the ball and the acetabulum as the socket. The joint is covered by smooth articular cartilage, which allows for pain-free movement. Ultimately, hip osteonecrosis can lead to severe arthritis.
Symptoms
The time it takes for symptoms of hip osteonecrosis to progress from the initial onset to the final stage can vary greatly, ranging from a few months to over a year. In the early stages, some people may experience no symptoms, but as the condition worsens, symptoms can progress from difficulty bearing weight to hip pain when lying down, and eventually throbbing pain in the groin area. Without treatment, hip osteonecrosis can lead to difficulty standing and walking.
Treatment
The treatment for hip osteonecrosis varies depending on the stage of the condition. Initially, your doctor may prescribe medication to manage pain, inflammation, and the progressive collapse of bone tissue. You may also be advised to avoid weight-bearing activities, and physical therapy may be recommended.
If conservative methods fail, surgery may be necessary. Your doctor may recommend one of the following surgical procedures:
Core decompression: A surgical procedure in which the dead bone area is drilled into to reduce pressure and increase blood flow, allowing for more blood vessels to form.
Osteotomy: A procedure that involves cutting or removing the damaged end of the femur bone and realigning the bone.
Arthroplasty: A surgery in which the damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the hip joint and replaced with artificial components.
Bone grafting: This method involves taking a small piece of healthy bone from the patient’s leg and grafting it onto the area of dead bone in the femur.