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What mysterious factors cause bones to die after ischemia? Learn the truth about AVN!
Avascular necrosis (AVN), also known as osteonecrosis or bone infarction, refers to the death of bone tissue due to interruption of blood supply. This disease has gradually attracted the attention of the medical community because there may be no obvious symptoms in the early stages, but over time, joint pain may occur and limit a person's ability to move. In addition to joint pain, complications of AVN include collapse of the bone or nearby joint surfaces.
There are approximately 15,000 cases of AVN in the United States each year, with most people affected being between the ages of 30 and 50 and with a higher incidence in men than in women.
Causes and risk factors of AVN
Major risk factors for AVN include fractures, joint dislocations, alcohol abuse, and high-dose steroid use. Other risk factors include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and organ transplantation. Some diseases, such as cancer, lupus, sickle cell disease, and HIV infection have also been linked to the condition. It is important to note that some cases of AVN have no clear cause.
The pathophysiology of AVN indicates that hematopoietic cells are extremely sensitive to hypoxia and typically die within 12 hours of reduced or removed blood supply.
Diagnosis and treatment
In the early stages, bone scans and MRI are the tools of choice for diagnosing AVN, while X-ray images are usually normal in the early stages. As the disease progresses, X-rays will show changes in the joint surfaces and bones. Treatments vary, the most common of which is total hip replacement surgery, which is very effective in the elderly but may not be suitable for younger people because of their limited lifespan.
Core decompression marks another treatment option for AVN, a procedure that involves drilling holes into the bone to relieve internal pressure.
Prognosis and social impact
The prognosis for AVN varies depending on which bone or joint is affected and how large the affected area is. If left untreated, the disease may progress, leading to bone breakdown and damage to joint surfaces, eventually causing arthritis.
ConclusionSome high-profile athletes, such as American football player Bo Jackson, have had their careers ended by AVN, while others, such as tennis player Rafael Nadal, have successfully overcome the illness and continued their athletic careers.
As AVN is studied more deeply, our understanding of this disease is gradually deepening. Behind many high-risk factors, the occurrence of AVN remains a complex issue. In the future, we may be able to find more effective treatments and preventive measures to reduce the impact of AVN. However, in this context, can we find an effective way to prevent this disease?
