AVN (Avascular Necrosis)
What is AVN?
Avascular stands for lack of blood supply and necrosis signifies death of tissue. Thus Avascular Necrosis also known as Osteonecrosis can be clinically defined as a condition characterised by death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply. This is very common now a days due to increased use of steroids in different diseases including viral infections like Covid. Homoeopathy works like miracle in this clinical condition.
ETIOLOGY
- Idiopathic )PRIMARY AVN)
(SECONDARY AVN)
- Trauma
- Systemic diseases like Sickle cell Anaemia , Gaucher Disease etc.
- Perthes Disease
- Long term use of corticosteroids and/or alcohol can predispose to AVN AVN
BONES AFFECTED
AVN commonly affects ends of long bones and hip. Other bones that can be affected are-
- AVN of Lunate – Keinbock disease
- AVN of Scaphoid – Preiser’s disease
- AVN of Navicular bone – Kohler’s disease
- AVN of metatarsal head – Freiberg disease
CLINICAL FEATURES – Initially the patient is asymptomatic but later on may develop following features-
- Joint pain
- Limited range of motion
- Advanced cases may be characterised by collapse of affected region
INVESTIGATIONS
– X-RAY – May be normal initially followed by increased sclerosis in early stages
– MRI – It is the Investigation of choice as it allows accurate assesment of extent of involvement and can also identify Bone Marrow changes
MANAGEMENT
HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT
- PHOSPHORIC ACID – Bone pains with craving for refreshing things
- FLUORIC ACID – Bone pains and Necrosis of long bones
- SYPHILINUM – Necrotic bone pains aggravated at night
- HEKLA LAVA – Necrotic changes in the Jaw
- SYMPHYTUM – Fractures and trauma to bone
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
The choice of surgical treatment depends on the stage of disease. It includes core decompression, vascularised bone graft etc.
Need Help ?
We want to hear from you. Let us know how we can help.
