In this Article

• What is aseptic necrosis?
• What causes aseptic necrosis?
• What conditions are associated with aseptic necrosis?
• What are symptoms of aseptic necrosis?
• How is aseptic necrosis diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for aseptic necrosis?
• Aseptic Necrosis Glossary
• Aseptic Necrosis Index

What is the treatment for aseptic necrosis?

The treatment of aseptic necrosis is critically dependent on the stage of the condition. Early aseptic necrosis (before x-ray changes are evident) can be treated with a surgical operation called a core decompression. This procedure involves removing a core of bone from the involved area and sometimes grafting new bone into the area. This allows new blood supply to form, preserving the bone. Weight bearing or impact of the involved joint is restricted.

Later stages of aseptic necrosis (when x-ray changes have occurred) typically lead to seriously damaged bone and joints, requiring joint replacement surgery. For related information, please read the following articles; Total Hip Replacement and Total Knee Replacement.

Reference:
Clinical Primer of Rheumatology, Lippincott Williams & Wilkens, edited by William Koopman, et. al., 2003.
Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology, W B Saunders Co, edited by Shaun Ruddy, et.al., 2000.

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