Avascular Necrosis; a Condition Where Bone Tissue Dies Due to Lack of Blood Supply
Avascular Necrosis is a disease that results from the temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bone. It may be the result of injury, alcohol consumption, or the use of medicines. AVN happens most commonly in the ends of the long bone.
It is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. Also called osteonecrosis, it can lead to tiny breaks in the bone and cause the bone to collapse. The process usually takes months to years. A broken bone or dislocated joint can stop the blood flow to a section of bone.
The Avascular Necrosis Market is anticipated to reach a value of US$ 605.0 Mn in 2021 and is projected to grow at a 6.0% CAGR from 2021 to 2028.
It is a condition that happens when bone tissue dies because of insufficient blood flow. It can occur as a result of an injury, such as a hip fracture or dislocation; it also occurs during certain medical conditions and cancer treatments. It can also develop from use of steroids, such as prednisone or dexamethasone.
Other factors can also increase the risk of developing Avascular Necrosis. People who take medications for osteoporosis or cancer, such as bisphosphonates and radiation therapy, are also at increased risk of developing AVN.
There are four stages that define how bad the disease has progressed. The stage 1 is the initiation of the disease without radiological findings. Stage IV is the end stage with femoral head collapse, flattening, and narrowing of the joint space.
Stage 1 has a normal x-rays but MRI reveals the dead bone. Stage 2 can be seen on regular x-ray but there is no collapse of femoral ball. Stage 3 shows signs of collapse (called a crescent sign) on x-ray, while stage 4 has collapse on x-ray and signs of cartilage damage (osteoarthritis).
There is no cure for Avascular Necrosis, but if it's diagnosed early using X-Rays or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, injections, and activity modification may slow the disease progression.
No medical treatment has proven effective in preventing or arresting a disease process. However, in 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approved a first-of-its-kind and first in the world humanitarian use device for the treatment of AVN of the ankle joint. Because AVN is the progressive condition, it often require surgery. Most people who have AVN eventually have surgery, including joint replacement.
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