Osteoarthritis vs Osteonecrosis

Question

Could you elaborate on how osteoarthritis can be a secondary condition to avascular necrosis? And how can avascular necrosis adversely affect a confirmed primary diagnosis of osteoarthriris?

That a great question and I will explain both with diagrams

Answer

Osteoarthritis and osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis) are two diferent problems. Osteoarthritis occurs with when the cartilage wears thin and degrades. It is thought to primarily a cartilage problem although recently some investigators have raised the theory that collapse of bone at the cartilage interface may also contribute.

Osteonecrosis occurs when the bone does not get enough blood supply and dies. This occurs most commonly after trauma to the joint injury, to say meniscus or a diver gets the bends . Patients with certain blood disorders, patients with lupus or those who are taking high doses of prednisone are also at risk for osteonecrosis.

The confusion comes when a joint is so badly degenerated or “at its endstage”.

So at that point it is often impossible to distinguish between the two problems.

There are many causes for developing Osteonecrosis aka Avascular Necrosis.

Points To Remember About Osteonecrosis

• Osteonecrosis is a bone disease that may cause pain or limit physical activity.
• Anyone can get osteonecrosis, but it is most common in people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.
• Osteonecrosis results from the loss of blood supply to the bone. Without blood, the bone tissue dies and the bone collapses.
• Loss of blood supply to the bone can be caused by medicines or medical procedures, medical conditions, alcohol use, injury, or increased bone pressure. It is not always known what causes the loss of blood supply to the bone.
• Most people with osteonecrosis need treatment. Your treatment options may be nonsurgical, surgical, or both.

What is osteonecrosis?

Osteonecrosis is a bone disease. It results from the loss of blood supply to the bone. Without blood, the bone tissue dies. This causes the bone to collapse. It may also cause the joints that surround the bone to collapse. If you have osteonecrosis, you may have pain or be limited in your physical activity.

Osteonecrosis can develop in any bone, most often in the:

• Thigh bone (femur).
• Upper arm bone (humerus).
• Knees.
• Shoulders.
• Ankles.

It is also called:

• Avascular necrosis.
• Aseptic necrosis.
• Ischemic necrosis.

Points To Remember About Osteoarthritis

• Osteoarthritis is a joint disease in which the tissues in the joint break down over time. It is the most common type of arthritis and is more common in older people.
• Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as changes in how the joint moves and feeling like the joint is loose or unstable.
• Treatment of osteoarthritis usually includes exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing braces to help with stability, and taking medications, if prescribed.
• You can do many things to help you live with osteoarthritis, including using hot and cold therapies, avoiding repeated movements, and taking a class to help you learn about the condition.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that happens when the tissues in the joint break down over time. It is the most common type of arthritis and is more common in older people.

People with osteoarthritis usually have joint pain and, after rest, stiffness (inability to move easily) for a short period of time. The most commonly affected joints include the:

• Hands (ends of the fingers and at the base and ends of the thumbs).
• Knees.
• Hips.
• Neck.
• Shoulder
• Lower back.

Osteoarthritis affects each person differently. For some people, osteoarthritis does not affect day-to-day activities. For others, it causes significant pain and disability.