Avascular necrosis (AVN), or osteonecrosis or bone infarction, is death of bone tissue attributed to interruption of the blood supply. At the onset, there may be no symptoms. But gradually joint pain may develop and may limit the ability to move. Complications include collapse of the bone or joint surface.
In sickle cell disorder, the risk factor of having AVN is very high due to the complications from restricted blood supply to vital organs in the body. Up to 50% of sickle cell patients may develop AVN by the time they reach the age of 35. However, it is very rare in sickle cell trait (SCT), a much milder form of sickle cell disease in which patients are usually asymptomatic.
Avascular necrosis (AVN), or osteonecrosis or bone infarction, is death of bone tissue attributed to interruption of the blood supply.
At the onset, there may be no symptoms.
But gradually joint pain may develop and may limit the ability to move.
Complications include collapse of the bone or joint surface.In sickle cell disorder, the risk factor of having AVN is very high due to the complications from restricted blood supply to vital organs in the body.
Up to 50% of sickle cell patients may develop AVN by the time they reach the age of 35.
However, it is very rare in sickle cell trait (SCT), a much milder form of sickle cell disease in which patients are usually asymptomatic.Treatment for AVN is recommended based on the stage of the disease coupled with the age of the patient.
In sickle cell disorder, the risk factor of having AVN is very high due to the complications from restricted blood supply to vital organs in the body.
However, it is very rare in sickle cell trait (SCT), a much milder form of sickle cell disease in which patients are usually asymptomatic.Treatment for AVN is recommended based on the stage of the disease coupled with the age of the patient.
This treatment may require the patient to be non-weight-bearing for up to six months.
It also has a failure rate greater than 80-percent.Surgical treatment is recommended with a Stage II diagnosis, or very early in a Stage III diagnosis.
A procedure, known as core decompression, typically involves drilling one large hole in the core of the affected bone, with or without a bone graft, to reduced pressure and improve blood circulation in the hip.
Another surgical option is the vascularized fibular graft, which takes a healthy piece of bone from the fibula, along with the artery or vein, and transplants and reattaches it into the hip, to help the healthy bone growth.