In 2014, I was diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the hips. That’s when my nightmare began.

 

What is avascular necrosis?

 

Avascular necrosis (AVN), also known as osteonecrosis of the femoral head, occurs when the blood supply to the bone is decreased. This interruption in blood supply causes small cracks and breaks in the bone. If the AVN is left untreated, the bone will eventually die and collapse.

 

Over 20,000 people acquire AVN every year, typically between 20 and 50 years old. It can be caused by a number of factors, such as damage to the bone’s blood supply, or injury to the bone itself, which can damage blood vessels and precipitate AVN. Other potential causes include prolonged and frequent use of corticosteroids, hip dislocation or fracture, inflammation, blood clots, sickle cell anemia, pancreatitis, HIV, excessive alcohol intake, chemotherapy/radiation therapy, and leukemia. Healthy people have a smaller risk of developing AVN.

 

AVN commonly occurs in the hips, but can also develop in the knees, ankles, and shoulders. The symptoms of AVN include hip pain, especially when the hip is bearing excessive weight, and pain in the groin, buttocks, and down the front of the thigh. The pain eventually intensifies, causing limping, joint stiffness, inflammation, and restlessness when trying to sleep.