How to Treat Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis) is a condition where bone cells are damaged and die from lack of blood supply to its tissue. The most common bone affected is the largest in the body. The femur is responsible for most of the erythrocyte development, and damage to these cells creates blood disorders. Osteonecrosis is caused by trauma or from hypertension and heart disease. The conditions worsens with time, so treatment is important to stop the process of further bone loss.

Instructions

• 1

  Use medications. Osteonecrosis in the femur affects the ball and joint and causes pain and inflammation in patients. Anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed to limit inflamed tissue and decrease pain.

• 2

  Restrict activities. Osteonecrosis is treated with plenty of rest and restrictive movements on joints. Patients may be given crutches to use for several months to relieve pressure on the skeletal bones.

• 3

  Undergo electrical therapy. Electrical current sent through the area of bone loss stimulates new bone growth.

• 4

  Undergo core decompression. Core decompression is a type of surgery where the inner layer of dead bone cells is removed. The removal leaves a space where healthy bone replaces the space left from the surgery with new bone cells.

• 5

  Undergo a bone transplant. In this surgical procedure, the surgeon takes areas of bone tissue from healthy bone and implants it in damaged bones, encouraging new bone formation.