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    Avascular Necrosis

    Avascular Necrosis is a topic covered in the 5-Minute Clinical Consult.

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    Basics

    Description

    • Avascular necrosis (AVN) is death and eventual architectural collapse of bone as a result of ischemic injury or damage to bone or bone marrow elements. AVN most commonly affects the epiphysis of long bones; the hip (femoral head) is most susceptible but also can occur in the shoulder, knee, ankle, and wrist.
    • Bone collapse at these joints can lead to cartilage breakdown and arthritis.

    Epidemiology

    Incidence
    • About 20,000 to 30,000 new cases of AVN are reported each year.
    • AVN usually affects people <50 years of age (1).
    • Gender risk varies based on etiology.

    Etiology and Pathophysiology

    • Combination of metabolic, genetic, lifestyle, and environmental causes
    • Traumatic (nonunion, Perthes disease, joint dislocation) accounts for most cases.
    • Chronic glucocorticoid use and alcohol abuse account for >80% of nontraumatic (2).
    • Bisphosphonates (AVN of the jaw) (1,2)
    • Embolic (decompression disease, sickle cell)

    Risk Factors

    • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (3)
    • HIV and antiretroviral therapy
    • Radiation and chemotherapy

    General Prevention

    • Avoid or limit medications and substances that can cause AVN, such as steroids or alcohol.
    • Monitor fractures for signs of nonunion.
    • High index of suspicion in high-risk population (SLE, steroid use, alcohol abuse)
    • Early surgical intervention prior to joint collapse

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    Citation

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    TY - ELEC T1 - Avascular Necrosis ID - 816834 ED - Baldor,Robert A, ED - Domino,Frank J, ED - Golding,Jeremy, ED - Stephens,Mark B, BT - 5-Minute Clinical Consult, Updating UR - https://im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816834/all/Avascular_Necrosis PB - Wolters Kluwer ET - 27 DB - Medicine Central DP - Unbound Medicine ER -