Diseases of the musculoskeletal system - Dr. What's wrong with you?

Question 1

What is osteonecrosis?

Accepted Answer

Osteonecrosis is the death of bone due to lack of blood supply, leading to bone deterioration.

Question 2

What are the symptoms of osteonecrosis?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of osteonecrosis are pain that occurs even at rest and limits movement, but osteonecrosis can manifest with other symptoms depending on the necrosis of the bone, as osteonecrosis in the leg bones leads to lameness and pain when standing or walking.

Question 3

What is the treatment for osteonecrosis?

Accepted Answer

Osteonecrosis can be treated through surgical procedures (most advanced cases require surgical treatment) such as decompression surgery, implantation of a vascularized bone graft, bone remodeling (osteotomy), and joint replacement surgery.

Question 4

Can osteonecrosis be treated without surgery?

Accepted Answer

Non-surgical treatment of avascular necrosis can slow the progression of the condition upon early diagnosis of the disease, but surgical treatment remains the preferred treatment because most cases are diagnosed in the late stages.

Question 5

What medications cause osteonecrosis?

Accepted Answer

There are many medications that cause avascular osteonecrosis or bone infarction, including: high doses of corticosteroids (prednisone) and bisphosphonates.