How To Avoid Avascular Necrosis
Avascular necrosis (AVN) — also called osteonecrosis — occurs when blood flow to a bone is reduced or interrupted, leading to the death of bone tissue. It most often affects the hip, but can also impact the shoulders, knees, and other joints. Left untreated, AVN can lead to joint collapse and arthritis.
While not all causes are preventable, here are ways to reduce your risk of developing AVN:
✅ How to Avoid Avascular Necrosis
1. 🚫 Limit or Avoid Corticosteroid Use
- Long-term or high-dose steroid use (e.g., prednisone) is a major risk factor for AVN.
- Only take steroids if prescribed, and discuss alternative treatments with your doctor when possible.
2. 🍷 Limit Alcohol Intake
- Heavy alcohol use can impair blood flow to bones and damage blood vessels supplying the bone.
- If you drink, do so in moderation:
- Men: ≤2 drinks/day
- Women: ≤1 drink/day
3. ⚖️ Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Extra body weight increases stress on your joints and may reduce circulation.
- Stay physically active and eat a balanced diet to keep weight in check.
4. 🏥 Manage Chronic Conditions
- Conditions like:
- Diabetes
- Sickle cell disease
- Lupus
- HIV/AIDS
- Autoimmune or clotting disorders
can affect circulation and bone health.
🔹 Work closely with your doctor to control these conditions and reduce risk of AVN.
5. 💉 Treat Injuries Promptly
- Fractures or joint dislocations (especially of the hip) can damage nearby blood vessels.
- Proper treatment and rehabilitation reduce the chance of AVN developing post-injury.
6. 🏃♂️ Stay Active (But Avoid Overuse Injuries)
- Moderate exercise supports circulation and bone health.
- Avoid repetitive trauma or intense overuse, especially in contact sports.
- Use proper footwear, technique, and rest periods to protect joints.
7. 🧪 Screen for Clotting Disorders
- If you or a family member has experienced blood clots or AVN before age 50, ask your doctor about testing for thrombophilia or other clotting disorders.
8. 💊 Cautiously Use Medications That Affect Blood Flow
- Some meds (e.g., bisphosphonates, chemotherapy agents) may increase AVN risk in rare cases.
- Always discuss risks and alternatives with your healthcare provider if you’re on such meds long term.
🧠 Watch for Early Signs of AVN:
- Joint pain (especially groin pain for hip AVN)
- Limited range of motion
- Limping or stiffness
- Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
🔎 Early diagnosis is key. Imaging like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans can detect AVN early and prevent joint collapse.
⚕️ Summary
| ✅ Do This | ❌ Avoid This |
|---|---|
| Limit alcohol | Heavy drinking |
| Use steroids cautiously | Long-term corticosteroid use |
| Treat joint injuries promptly | Ignoring dislocations or fractures |
| Manage chronic illness | Letting autoimmune/clotting conditions go untreated |
| Get early screening if at risk | Delaying care despite pain |