How to Prevent Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis is a disease characterized by necrotic bone tissue caused by a disruption in the bone's blood supply. The bone then collapses before it can be repaired, causing arthritis, pain and difficulty moving the affected joint. Severe cases may even require joint replacement. The following steps will show how to prevent osteonecrosis.

Instructions

• 1

  Control the risk factors for osteonecrosis. Tobacco use has been implicated as a cause of osteonecrosis and should be avoided entirely. You should also limit alcohol consumption. Work with your physician to find ways of limiting prolonged corticosteroid use in the event of joint injuries because of the dangerous side effects.

• 2

  Minimize the chances of joint injury. Most cases of osteonecrosis are because of serious trauma and 20 percent of all hip injuries will develop into osteonecrosis. However, minor injuries do not normally carry a risk of osteonecrosis.

• 3

  Practice good dental hygiene to prevent osteonecrosis of the jaw. Any needed dental work should be completed before beginning bisphosphonate therapy. Consult your dentist immediately if there is any sign of dental infection.

• 4

  Adjust and check removable dentures regularly to prevent soft tissue injuries on the mouth. This is a common cause of osteonecrosis of the jaw.

• 5

  Manage dental infections aggressively. Root canal treatment should used as a nonsurgical method if possible; otherwise consider the minimum surgical intervention.

• 6

  Perform a coronal amputation along with subsequent root canal therapy on any remaining roots. This may be necessary in some cases to avoid the need for tooth extraction, which carries the risk of osteonecrosis.