Free

E-Newsletters

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Avascular necrosis that goes untreated will continue causing deterioration of the bone. Eventually the bone may become weakened enough that it collapses, causing pain and disability. Letting your avascular necrosis go untreated could lead to severe pain and loss of movement within two to five years.

References
  1. What is osteonecrosis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Osteonecrosis/osteonecrosis_ff.asp. Accessed Oct. 26, 2009.
  2. Donohue JP. Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis of bone). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 26, 2009.
  3. McKown K. Osteonecrosis. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/diseases_and_conditions/osteonecrosis.asp?aud=pat. Accessed Oct. 26, 2009.
  4. Osteonecrosis of the hip. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfmtopic=A00216. Accessed Oct. 26, 2009.
  5. Chang C, et al. Osteonecrosis. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders Co.; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/167338938-3/908256960/1807/704.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3285-4..10094-4_3424. Accessed Oct. 27, 2009.
  6. Goytia RN, et al. Bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis: Potential treatment or serious complication? Orthopedic Clinics of North America. 2009;40:223.
  7. Dabov G. Osteonecrosis. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/167687025-3/909040867/1584/174.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50028-3--cesec56_987. Accessed Oct. 28, 2009.
DS00650 Jan. 29, 2010

© 1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger