Aseptic Necrosis of the Hip
Overview
Causes
Aseptic necrosis of the hip is caused by any event or health problem that blocks blood supply to the head of the femur.
Risk Factors
This problem is more common in people who are between 30 and 50 years of age. It is also more common in men. Some things that may raise the risk are:
- Corticosteroid use
- Alcohol use disorder
- Smoking
- Hip trauma, such as hip fracture, hip dislocation, and prior hip surgery
- Cushing disease
- Sickle cell disease
- Blood clotting disorders, such as thrombophilia
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- HIV infection
- Kidney failure
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
There may not be symptoms in the early stage. People who do have problems may have:
- Hip pain
- Problems moving the hip
- Groin pain and throbbing that may be worse when bearing weight
- Buttock, thigh, and knee pain
Treatments
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to ease symptoms and stop damage. Treatments may include:
- Limiting activities that cause pain
- Using a cane or walker to keep weight off the hip
- Physical therapy to help with strength, flexibility, and range of motion
- Avoiding or limiting alcohol and smoking
Other choices are:
Medication
Medicine may be given to:
- Ease pain
- Prevent loss of bone mass
- Prevent blood clots
- Improve blood flow
Surgery
Some people may need surgery. Some options are:
- Decompression of the inside of the bone (with or without bone grafts)
- Hip replacement
- Hip resurfacing
- Realigning the bone
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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