What is avascular necrosis of the hip?
A person with avascular necrosis of the hip has destruction of the hip joint, caused by a lack of blood flow to the head of the femur. The head of the femur is the end of the femur that meets the pelvis to form the hip joint. Most cases of avascular necrosis of the hip follow a hip injury such as a hip fracture or hip dislocation. Other common causes include heavy alcohol use and the long-term use of corticosteroids.

What are the symptoms of avascular necrosis of the hip?
Common symptoms of avascular necrosis of the hip include hip pain (worsens with movement and standing), knee pain, and decreasing range of motion in the hip.

How does the doctor treat avascular necrosis of the hip?
Treatment for avascular necrosis of the hip includes strategies to take stress of the hip joint, such as crutches or a walker. Medications may be given to reduce bone loss from osteoporosis. Other medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and narcotic pain medications. Ultimately, hip surgery may be necessary to replace the hip joint.