Osteonecrosis Treatment


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Home \| Health And Wellness Osteonecrosis Treatment By: Rosamond Gaven, Posted on: 2007-11-17 We all know people who suffer with arthritis. You may even have the disease. What you may not realize is that the word "arthritis" is often used simply as an umbrella term that describes pain and stiffness in the joints. There are actually more than 100 different types of arthritis and many of these, including osteonecrosis, can have an irreversible and debilitating effect on the body. What is Osteonecrosis? Osteonecrosis is a severe form of arthritis in which the bone loses its blood supply. As the disease progresses, the affected bones and joints will disintegrate, ultimately causing the death of the bone. It's difficult for doctors to treat this condition in its early stages, because the patient does not usually manifest symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Symptoms The most common symptoms of osteonecrosis are sensations of pain and stiffness following a period of physical activity. Many patients who develop osteonecrosis in the hip will experience concentrated pain in the groin area. In the early stages of the disease, pain is evident only when the affected area is in use. As the disease becomes more advanced, pain is felt even while the joint is at rest. How is Osteonecrosis Diagnosed? A diagnosis of osteonecrosis can be made with the use of X-rays, but only in cases where the disease has progressed beyond the initial stages. Doctors can also detect tissue damage using an MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging machine. For some patients, a CAT scan is required to make a firm diagnosis. Treatment Treatment must be aggressive in order to stop the disintegration of bones and joints. Fortunately, early diagnosis can greatly increase the effectiveness of the treatment. If the disease in allowed to progress to advance stages without treatment, it can be too late to save or even treat the damaged joints. Many cases of osteonecrosis will require one of several types of surgical intervention: * Core Decompression: This relatively simple procedure is usually reserved for cases where the symptoms are still fairly mild. With this procedure, a hole is created to remove a thick layer of the affected bone. The result is increased blood flow to the bone and reduced pressure. * Bone Grafting: Common yet complicated, this procedure is used to support the affected joints. Healthy bone is removed during the grafting process, and used to replace dead bone in the affected area. This surgery is only used for patients experiencing osteonecrosis in its final stage. To promote healing following a bone graft, the patient must use an assistive device for up to a year after surgery. * Osteotomy is performed by cutting the bone below the affected area. The surgeon will turn the bone, allowing the healthy bone to become the new weight-bearing area. It's a complicated procedure, usually reserved for patients experiencing advanced osteonecrosis. * Arthoplasty: Also known as a total hip replacement, this surgery is only used when the entire hip socket has become diseased. The damaged hip is removed, and an artificial joint is inserted in place. Non-surgical treatment is possible when an osteonecrosis diagnosis is made early enough. There are drug treatments available, allowing doctors to halt the progression of the disease. Less advanced cases with can be treated with medication in combination with assistive devices and exercise. Researchers are now working on medications that can promote the growth of new bone matter and increase blood flow to the damaged joints. Like most diseases, early detection is the key to successful treatment of osteonecrosis, however it is not easily diagnosed. If you feel that you may be experiencing the symptoms of osteonecrosis, ask your doctor to perform further tests. If diagnosed early enough, you may be able to treat the condition and relieve the symptoms without surgery. Article Source: http://www.allthebestarticles.com Freelancer Rosamond Gaven contributes articles to a variety of popular Internet sites, on healthy living and health diet fitness themes. Please Rate this Article Not yet Rated Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Health and Wellness Articles Via RSS! Additional Articles From - Home \| Health And Wellness Is Tramadol Habit Forming - By : megan m Is Cpap An Effective Treatment For Snoring? - By : Thomas Wilson Vitamin D Is A Double Edged Sword - By : Russell Eaton Getting The Facts Right On How To Get Rid Of Louse Infestations - By : Rashel Dan Hgh. 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