Osteonecrosis of the Hip
Osteonecrosis of the hip is a disabling condition that can lead to your hip joint collapsing. The condition may start with few warning signs. If you have osteonecrosis of the hip, your blood vessels gradually cut off nourishment to the top of the thighbone (femur) where it fits in the hip socket. Without blood, the head of your femur dies and collapses. This makes it painful to move your hip, and you may develop arthritis and a limp. Cartilage in your hip's socket may also break down. You will probably get the same problems in your other hip eventually.
It is estimated that doctors see about 20,000 new cases of osteonecrosis (ON) each year. No one knows exactly what causes it.
Risk Factors for developing osteonecrosis
See your doctor if you start feeling a dull ache or throbbing pain to the side of your hip in the groin or buttock and you have the following risk factors:
- Age 20-50 years.
- Hip dislocation or fracture.
- Alcoholism.
- Corticosteroid use.
- Glandular problems and diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, sickle cell disease, myeloproliferative disorders, Gaucher's disease, chronic pancreatis, Crohn's disease, Caisson's disease or systemic lupus erythematosus.
How is Osteonecrosis diagnosed?
1. A physical examination by your physician is the first step to getting an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor may flex & rotate your hips to check for pain
2. X-rays of the hips
3. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is done to see if bone marrow is dying or dead, and to determine how much the head of your femur may have collapsed.
Treatment Options for Osteonecrosis of the hip
1. If you have Osteonecrosis and the head of your femur is NOTyet collapsed, certain medical procedures (i.e.: decompression and bone grafting) may help your body build new blood vessels and bone cells to replace the dead ones.
2. If you have Osteonecrosis and the Head of your femur has already collapsed, total hip replacement surgery (arthroplasty) may eliminate your pain and give you better hip mobility. A ball and socket replaces your hip joint. Your thighbone is fitted with the ball piece, which takes the place of the head of your femur. Your hip socket is fitted with the socket piece (cup).
