Typical symptoms
- • Deep groin pain, often in younger or steroid-exposed patients
- • Pain with rotation and weight-bearing
- • Progressive limp as the femoral head collapses
Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) interrupts blood supply to the femoral head. Collapse of the head leads to secondary arthritis. Early stages may be observed or decompressed; established collapse is typically treated with total hip reconstruction planned to the patient's anatomy.
How we evaluate
- • MRI is the most sensitive study before radiographic collapse
- • Staging of head involvement to decide preservation versus replacement
- • Medical review of steroid, alcohol, or clotting risk factors
Related care
Hip Joint
Assessment for Avascular Necrosis
This page is educational and does not diagnose. An in-person consultation and imaging at Healthpoint Hospital determine the appropriate pathway.