Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head

Avascular necrosis (AVN), which is also known as osteonecrosis, aseptic necrosis, ischemic necrosis, and osteochondritis dissecans, is a pathological process that results in the death of bone tissue in the affected area. Many medical conditions and treatments have been linked to AVN.

The exact mechanism that causes AVN is not well understood. The process leading to AVN involves compromise of the bone vasculature, which leads to the death of bone and marrow cells and ultimately to mechanical failure of the affected bone. The process of AVN is often ...