Early Treatment Can Help Protect the Hip Joint
Avascular necrosis, also called osteonecrosis, occurs when reduced blood flow to the femoral head causes bone tissue to weaken and deteriorate.
The condition can progress over time, making early diagnosis especially important. Dr. Brett Shore evaluates the stage of AVN, the condition of the joint, and each patient’s symptoms to determine whether the hip may be preserved or whether replacement should be considered.
What Is Avascular Necrosis?
Avascular necrosis happens when blood flow to the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) is blocked or reduced.
Without an adequate blood supply, bone tissue begins to die. As the damage progresses, fractures develop within the bone. The femoral head can weaken enough to collapse entirely.
One of the difficulties with this condition is that it doesn’t always cause symptoms early. Many people don’t notice pain until the bone has already been compromised.
An accurate, early diagnosis is critical. Once the bone begins to collapse, the window for joint-preserving treatment narrows.
When to Seek Treatment for Avascular Necrosis
You may benefit from evaluation if:
Hip or groin pain has persisted for several weeks without improvement
Pain worsens with walking, standing, or weight-bearing activity
You experience stiffness or loss of range of motion in the hip
Discomfort occurs at rest or interrupts sleep
You have a history of steroid use, heavy alcohol use, or a prior hip injury
How Dr. Shore Treats
Avascular Necrosis
Treatment depends on the stage of bone involvement, your symptoms, and your activity goals. Dr. Shore reviews your imaging and exam findings, then walks you through each option.
What Causes Avascular Necrosis?
Several factors can interrupt blood flow to the hip bone:
A hip fracture or dislocation that damages nearby blood vessels
Long-term corticosteroid use (such as prednisone for autoimmune conditions)
Heavy alcohol use sustained over many years
Fat deposits that block vessels within the bone
Radiation therapy for certain cancers
In roughly 25% of cases, the cause is never identified. Regardless of origin, the bone damage tends to progress without intervention.
COMPREHENSIVE HIP EXPERTISE
Why Patients Trust Dr. Brett Shore
Dr. Brett Shore is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in comprehensive hip care, with expertise spanning joint preservation, minimally invasive surgery, and total hip replacement.
Avascular necrosis can require very different treatment depending on its stage. Dr. Shore’s experience across both hip-preserving and joint-replacing procedures allows him to evaluate the condition broadly and recommend treatment based on the amount of bone and joint damage present.
His approach is individualized around each patient’s imaging, symptoms, activity level, and long-term goals.
How Early Diagnosis Can
Protect Your Hip Joint
When avascular necrosis is identified before the joint collapses, treatment can:
- Relieve hip and groin pain
- Slow or halt further bone deterioration
- Preserve the natural hip joint
- Reduce the likelihood of needing total hip replacement
- Shorten overall recovery time
When the condition has already progressed, anterior hip replacement with a bikini incision offers a reliable route to
pain relief, restored mobility, and a faster return to daily activity.
Avascular Necrosis
Treatment in Los Angeles
Looking for a Los Angeles avascular necrosis specialist? Dr. Shore sees patients at his Marina del Rey clinic for evaluation, imaging review, and treatment planning.
The location provides convenient access for those living or working in Los Angeles who want hip treatment close to home.
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Hip pain can limit your activity and affect your daily life. Dr. Shore can help you understand your options and start recovery.
