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Osteonecrosis - Symptom

Alternative Names

Avascular necrosis; Osteonecrosis; Ischemic bone necrosis; AVN; Aseptic necrosis

Symptoms:

There are no symptoms in the early stages. As bone damage worsens, you may have the following symptoms:

  • Pain in the joint that may increase over time, and will become very severe if the bone collapses
  • Pain that occurs even at rest
  • Limited range of motion
  • Groin pain, if the hip joint is affected
  • Limping, if the condition occurs in or below the hips

Signs and tests:

Your health care provider will do a complete physical exam to find out if you have any diseases or conditions that may affect your bones. You will be asked questions about your symptoms and medical history. The questions might include:

  • When did the pain start?
  • Does the pain spread (radiate) anywhere?
  • Is the pain constant, or does it get better at night or at rest?
  • Have you noticed any difference in how much or how far you can move (your mobility)?
  • Do pain relievers help?
  • Are you taking any steroids now, or have you ever taken them?
  • Do you drink alcohol? If so, how much?

Be sure to let your health care provider know about any medications or vitamin supplements you are taking, even over-the-counter medicine.

After the exam, your health care provider will order one or more of the following tests:

  • Reviewed last on: 6/4/2011
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Chang C, Greenspan A, Gershwin ME. Osteonecrosis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Harris ED Jr, et al, eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 94.

Shah A, Busconi B. Hip, pelvis, and thigh: Hip and pelvis. In: DeLee JC, Drez D Jr, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 21, section A.

Williams MD, Edwards TB, Shoulder: Glenohumeral Arthritis in the Athlete. In: DeLee JC, Drez D Jr, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 17, section L.

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