What is Aseptic Necrosis?

Aseptic necrosis is a serious illness. It is caused by a violation of the blood supply of any part of the body. Especially it is dangerous if the food comes from one artery. As a result, necrosis of the tissues occurs. To this zone, you can include the head of the femur. This disease can affect the hip joint.

What causes cell death? It's all about breaking the blood flow that brings nutrients and oxygen. This can be a consequence of diseases such as lupus erythematosus, pancreatitis. Radiation can also lead to this ailment.

There is an opinion that aseptic necrosis of the femoral head can be caused by alcohol abuse and heavy physical exertion. Some athletes take high doses of hormonal drugs, such as glucocorticoids. This leads to circulatory disorders, as they thicken the blood. It is believed that divers are also susceptible to this disease, because during their work they experience sharp changes in atmospheric pressure. But aseptic necrosis often has an undetected cause. Doctors say that the disease can hit both legs.

The disease manifests itself in acute pain. Especially it increases when you transfer weight to the affected leg. It is felt in the gluteal or inguinal area, sometimes gives to the anterior surface of the thigh. If you do not start treatment, then the destruction of the joints will continue and later lameness will appear. Further, complete loss of motor function is possible.

Aseptic necrosis of the hip joint is manifested by similar symptoms. Only to them pain in the knee is added. The most common cause of the disease are injuries. It is important as soon as possible to see a doctor and begin treatment. Otherwise, there is a risk of losing the ability to move.

In order to diagnose aseptic necrosis, it is best to undergo an MRI scan. Also, the doctor will hold a conversation, ask about chronic diseases, alcohol and medication. He will also palpate the joint and check its function.

Aseptic necrosis can be determined with the help of an X-ray. The disadvantage of this method is that at early stages it is impossible to detect pathological changes in the bone. Therefore, to clarify the diagnosis, scintigraphy is used. In this case, a small amount of a special preparation is administered to the patient's body. Then, with the help of a special apparatus, the body is checked. Affected joints will look like a single spot. The most modern method of diagnosis is MRI. After it you can get snapshots and different projections.

Aseptic necrosis is treated in a complex manner. It all depends on the stage of the disease and the severity of the symptoms. For today among doctors there are discussions about expediency of application of medicines which are directed on restoration of blood circulation. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to reduce pain . In difficult cases, surgery is required. But in the early stages of aseptic necrosis can be successfully cured. Therefore, it is very important to consult a doctor in a timely manner.