If you have been dealing with a long-lasting hip discomfort that does not correspond with any injury you can recall, then you are not by yourself. The same thing happens to a lot of young people in India, usually around the age of 35, who get diagnosed late with a condition named Avascular Necrosis (AVN), which is also referred to as osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The reason for this is that the hip bone gets less blood supply, and so it starts dying, thereby weakening and collapsing the joint gradually. The importance of early diagnosis cannot be overemphasized, as the scenario of untreated AVN can turn into that of complete joint damage very fast, thus necessitating a total hip replacement.

In this blog, we will discuss and break down the major causes of avascular necrosis of the hip, explain how AVN develops in the hip, and help you understand the key avascular necrosis hip causes so you can take timely action.

What Causes Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the Hip?

AVN occurs primarily due to something that interferes with or decreases the vital blood flow to the femoral head, which is the "ball" part of your hip joint. When blood flow ceases, the bone cells begin to die, which eventually leads to joint degeneration.

To better understand what causes AVN of the hip, doctors classify the problem according to two general categories that are trauma (due to injuries) as well as non-traumatic (due to lifestyle or medical circumstances). These hip joint necrosis factors determine the speed and extent to which the severity of AVN advances.

Major Causes and Risk Factors: Traumatic & Non-Traumatic

1. Traumatic Causes: Direct Injury to the Hip

Foremost among all traumatic etiological factors, accidents would top the chart. 

  • Hip Fractures

The tiny blood vessels that supply the femoral head can be damaged or even severed when there is a fracture along the femoral neck. The bone then does not get the oxygen and nutrients it needs because these vessels are cut off. Eventually, this becomes one of the first causes of avascular necrosis of the hip and, if not treated, may lead to collapse of the femoral head.

  • Hip Dislocations

Among the main causes, dislocation of the hip joint occurs more often due to car accidents or heavy falls, which at once injure the blood vessels providing supply through stretching, compressing, or even tearing. Blood flow is immediately cut off; hence, prompt repositioning is very important. Delayed treatment greatly adds to the reasons for AVN in the hip joint, making hip dislocation a high-risk trigger.

2. Non-Traumatic Causes: Underlying Conditions & Lifestyle Triggers

Non-traumatic factors are responsible for nearly 70–80% of AVN cases. These often cause reduced blood flow to the hip bone slowly and silently, making early detection difficult.

Avoidance of trauma-related conditions accounts for about 70-80% of cases of AVN. Non-traumatic factors often lead to a reduced blood flow to the hip bone, which is the reason why early detection is so difficult.

  • Corticosteroid Medications

The long-term or high-dose administration of steroids has been classified as the main non-traumatic factor contributing to AVN. Steroids have the ability to promote the formation of fat deposits within the blood vessels. These deposits eventually grow in size and block blood circulation, leading to one of the main osteonecrosis of the femoral head causes. The risk exists for every patient taking steroids for asthma, autoimmune diseases, or COVID-induced conditions.

  • Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol takes a heavy at the joints just like steroids. One of the main sources of avascular necrosis hip can be a lesser-known side effect of prolonged heavy drinking, which is the fatty liver resulting from increased blood fat levels, thereby leading to blood vessels becoming clogged. Over time, this blockage of blood supply is one of the early causes of femoral head collapse.

3. Sickle Cell Disease & Blood Disorders

Sickle cell disease leads to an unusual shape of red blood cells that ultimately results in blood vessels being clogged. Additionally, the blood flow can be impeded due to clotting disorders. These conditions directly reduce the oxygen supply to the femoral head, making them major reasons for AVN in the hip joint.

4. Other Medical Conditions

Several health issues can contribute to AVN, including:

  • Lupus
  • Gaucher disease
  • Pancreatitis
  • Kidney disease
  • Long-term treatments for cancer either include chemotherapy or radiation

These conditions alter blood circulation and bone metabolism, leading to significant joint necrosis.

5. Idiopathic Cases

Doctors are able to employ cutting-edge diagnostic techniques, yet in some cases, they still do not know the reason why AVN develops in the hip. Such instances are referred to as idiopathic cases. The individuals concerned may be in perfect health otherwise, but the femoral head is still subjected to deprivation of blood supply.

Recognizing the Signs: AVN Symptoms

AVN is a silent disease that begins and is often not accompanied by any symptoms. As the disease progresses, the patient may experience:

  • Pain in the back of the groin that can extend into the buttocks or thigh
  • The pain is more severe while walking or standing.
  • Limping
  • The hips are less mobile.

Being aware of AVN symptoms and causes can reduce the risk of long-term effects.

Seeking Expert Care and Treatment in Delhi NCR

AVN develops quickly; prompt diagnosis is vital. MRI will be the most precise test to identify early signs of the disease, prior to X-rays revealing any evidence of damage. Treatment is dependent on the stage of the disease. AVN might respond to medicines or injections as well as lifestyle changes, whereas advanced cases might require surgery.

If you are living close to Delhi NCR and are in doubt about AVN and you are worried about it, then consulting Delhi NCR's best Orthopaedic surgeon for a quick diagnosis would be a good decision. The proper choice of a physician will provide you with the most current AVN treatment in Delhi NCR, specifically designed for your needs and conditions, efficient, and suitable.

Prevention and Outlook

You can reduce your risk by avoiding extreme consumption of alcohol and smoking cessation, reducing cholesterol levels, and taking steroids only under medical supervision. While not all instances are preventable, a prompt diagnosis will always result in better outcomes and lower the risk of hip collapse.

Conclusion

AVN results from the loss of blood supply to the femoral head caused by trauma, lifestyle habits, or underlying diseases. By being aware of the major contributors, one can easily preventively treat themselves and avoid hip surgery in the future. Dr. Yugal Karkhur, who is the best orthopaedic surgeon in Delhi NCR with over 14 years of experience, is here to provide you with the necessary consultation and treatment to avoid the disease's progression if you have been suffering from hip pain for a while. Don’t let persistent pain in your hip area be a sign of something worse. Schedule an appointment today.