Osteonecrosis occurs when blood flow is drastically reduced or cut off altogether, causing the knee or hip bone to break down and eventually die. Though this condition can occur in any bone, it is most common in the hip, knee, shoulder or ankle. Our orthopaedic surgeons have special expertise in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the hip and knee. In many cases joint preservation procedures can be performed by grafting the lesion, but in advanced disease, a total joint replacement may be necessary. If the condition is left untreated, patients may develop severe arthritis descending to collapse of the joint.
What are the signs and symptoms of osteonecrosis in the hip and knee?
- Pain in the joint while under pressure or with added weight
- Eventually, pain while resting