Of the more than 100 different types of arthritis, osteonecrosis is among the most devastating. "Arthritis" is often used as a simple classification to describe pain and stiffness in the joints. The many forms of arthritis, including osteonecrosis, can have irreversible and debilitating effects on the body.

How is Osteonecrosis Different?

Osteonecrosis is a severe form of arthritis in which the bone loses its blood supply. As the disease progresses, the affected bones and joints will disintegrate, ultimately causing the death of the bone. It's difficult for doctors to treat this condition in its early stages, because the patient does not usually manifest symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage.

Osteonecrosis Signs and Symptoms

The most common symptoms of osteonecrosis are sensations of pain and stiffness following a period of physical activity. Many patients who develop osteonecrosis in the hip will experience concentrated pain in the groin area. In the early stages of the disease, pain is evident only when the affected area is in use. As the disease becomes more advanced, pain is felt even while the joint is at rest.

Diagnosis

Doctors are able to make a positive diagnosis of osteonecrosis through the use of X-rays. However, X-rays are only able to reveal cases that have progressed beyond the initial stages. Some healthcare professionals will also use magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) to detect tissue damage. Some patients will require a CAT scan before a firm diagnosis can be made.

Osteonecrosis Treatment

Aggressive treatment may be required to stop the disintegration of the joints. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the chance that the affected areas can be saved. If the disease has progressed into the advanced stages, however, it may be too late to treat and save the damaged joints.

Different types of surgical intervention are sometimes required to treat many cases of osteonecrosis:

* Core Decompression: This is a relatively simple procedure best reserved for cases where the symptoms are still fairly mild. The procedure consists of creating a hole to remove a thick layer of the affected bone. This helps increase blood flow to the bone, and reduces pressure.

* Bone Grafting: Common yet complicated, this procedure is used to support the affected joints. Healthy bone is removed during the grafting process, and used to replace dead bone in the affected area. This surgery is only used for patients experiencing osteonecrosis in its final stage. To promote healing following a bone graft, the patient must use an assistive device for up to a year after surgery.

* Osteotomy: Doctors perform an osteotomy by cutting the bone below the affected area. The bone is then turned, allowing the healthy part of the bone to become the new weight-bearing area. It is a complicated procedure and reserved for patients experiencing advanced osteonecrosis.

* Arthoplasty: More commonly known as total hip replacement, this surgery is an option when the entire hip socket has become diseased. Doctors remove the damaged hip and insert an artificial joint in place.

If an osteonecrosis diagnosis is made soon enough, non-surgical treatment is possible. Doctors are able to choose to prescribed drug therapies to keep the disease from progressing. When combined with exercise and assistive devices, medications can be used successfully in less advanced cases. Today, researchers are working to produce new medications to promote the growth of new bone matter and increase blood flow to the damaged joints.

Osteonecrosis, like most diseases, is most successfully treated with early detection. The trouble is that osteonecrosis is not easily diagnosed. Learn more about osteonecrosis, and if you feel that you may be experiencing symptoms of osteonecrosis, ask your doctor to perform further investigations. When diagnosed early enough, you can work with your doctor to treat the condition and relieve the symptoms without surgery.