Avascular necrosis (AVN) is also called osteonecrosis, it is the death of bone tissue caused by a lack of blood supply. It may cause tiny breaks in the bone, and may take months to years to make the bone collapse.

A broken bone and dislocated joint may stop the blood supply to the bone, especially the joint, such as the femoral head. In addition, AVN is also associated with long-term use of high-dose steroid medications and consumption of too much alcohol.

Anyone can be affected, especially in people between the ages of 30 and 50. In the early stages of avascular necrosis, there are mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. As the condition worsens, affected joints may hurt when putting weight on them. Eventually, you may feel the pain even when you are lying down.

Some people have no symptoms in the early stages of avascular necrosis. As the condition worsens, affected joints might hurt only when putting weight on them. Eventually, you might feel the pain even when you’re lying down.

Pain can be mild or severe. It usually develops gradually. Pain associated with avascular necrosis of the hip might center on the groin, thigh or buttock. Besides the hip, the shoulder, knee, hand and foot can be affected.

Some people develop avascular necrosis on both sides, such as in both hips or in both knees.