Avascular necrosis

Background

  • Also called osteonecrosis, ischemic necrosis, bone infarction
  • Interruption in vascular supply leads to death of osteocytes and marrow, necrosis, and (eventually) collapse of dead segment

Causes/Risk factors

Nontraumatic

Traumatic

Clinical Features

  • Depends on cause and location

Differential Diagnosis

Sickle cell crisis

Evaluation

  • Plain films generally first step
  • Further evaluation depends on cause/location

Management

  • Ortho consult
  • Usually splint, non-weightbearing

Disposition

See Also

External Links

References