AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF THE HIP
Lack of blood supply to bone cells leading ultimately to bone demise, breakdown, and eventually collapse. Symptoms range from pain with movement to pain on rest. Common causes are trauma, prolonged use of steroids, alcohol use, smoking, radiation therapy, diabetes, HIV, and sickle cell anemia. Diagnosis is made via physical examination, history taking, and MRI. Treatment can range from anti-inflammatory meds, exercise, smoking, and alcohol reduction to bone graft transplant to Joint replacement.
What is the Hip Joint?
The hip joint is located between the pelvis and the thighbone. It helps to connect the leg bones and the spine. The main functions of the hip are to allow us to stand, sit, walk, bend and twist. The hip joint can be affected by trauma, disease, or arthritis.
Trauma causes bone fracture and damage. Arthritis causes changes in the hip cartilage, and the joint becomes less flexible. The cartilage acts as a shock absorber to protect the bone. If it is damaged, the hip will become stiff. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, which allows a certain amount of movement.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a common problem that affects the hip. A person who has arthritis will have problems with the hip joint. When the hip is affected, you may experience pain in your hips and lower back. You may feel difficulty with bending, twisting, and lifting.
Osteoarthritis may be caused by injury, obesity, heredity, or age. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are ways to treat it. There are some medications and physical therapy that can help alleviate the symptoms. Some exercises can help keep the joints healthy and strong. You can avoid surgery by using a cane or walking stick.
What are the Symptoms of the AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF THE HIP?
A hip joint is an essential joint in the body. This joint is located below the waist, at the base of the thigh bone. It consists of the upper end of the thigh bone (femur) and the lower end of the pelvis (acetabulum)—the two bones of the hip form the hip joint.
These bones are called the femur and the acetabulum. The ball-shaped part of the femur (femoral head) is attached to the socket-shaped part of the acetabulum (acetabular cavity). The hip joint allows the thigh bone to move toward the knee. The hip joint also allows the thigh bone to rotate around its axis.
How do you diagnose the AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF THE HIP?
Many doctors recommend getting a bone density test on the hip joint. A person may have osteoporosis or another bone-related disease if he has a low bone density level. The problem with this test is that it requires a doctor to inject radioactive material into the hip joint. Although this is a straightforward test, it exposes the patient to a lot of radiation. If you have a history of cancer or other diseases that can affect the bone, you should get a bone density test before having the procedure.