BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing

Avascular necrosis of the hip results when reduced blood circulation starves the bones that form the hip joint. In time, the starved bone dies, and the hip joint can collapse.

Avascular necrosis of the hip is also called hip osteonecrosis, or hip AVN. AVN is most prevalent in middle-aged adults.

Causes

Alcoholism and corticosteroids are by far the leading causes of AVN. In rarer cases, AVN can result from a blockage in blood vessels from sickle cell anemia or dislocation of the hip from trauma.

Symptoms

Hip pain, especially after standing or walking, is the most common symptom. Hip AVN most commonly afflicts the femoral head, where the femur (or thighbone) attaches to the pelvis. The femoral head may weaken and collapse.

Treatment

Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin and analgesics can help the pain. While hip replacement surgery is often required to regain quality of life, younger, more active patients should talk to their doctor about their eligibility for hip resurfacing surgery.