Osteonecrosis of the hip eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: Synonyms and related keywords: aseptic necrosis, avascular necrosis, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, ischemic necrosis
Contents - Introduction Indications Relevant Anatomy And Contraindications Workup Treatment Complications Outcome And Prognosis Future And Controversies Pictures Bibliography
Osteonecrosis of the femoral head involves the hip joint. Osteocytes of the femoral head die along with the bone marrow; resorption of the dead tissue by new but weaker osseous tissue can lead to subchondral fracture and collapse. Two forms of osteonecrosis exist, traumatic (the most common form) and atraumatic. Other terms to describe this disorder include avascular necrosis and ischemic necrosis to denote vascular etiology. The term aseptic necrosis also has been used to indicate that infection does not play a causative role.