November 29: Osteonecrosis (Avascular Necrosis) Awareness Day
Shining a Light on a Silent but Life-Changing Bone Disease
Every year, November 29 marks Osteonecrosis Awareness Day—a day dedicated to educating, empowering, and supporting the millions of people worldwide living with osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis (AVN).
Osteonecrosis is a painful, progressive condition where bone tissue dies due to loss of blood supply. Without proper blood flow, the affected bone weakens, collapses, and can lead to severe arthritis and disability. While many people have never heard of it until diagnosis, AVN is far more common than most realize.
Today, we honor the fighters, the caregivers, and the advocates raising their voices so no one has to face this disease alone.
⸻
What Causes Osteonecrosis?
Osteonecrosis can develop for many reasons, but the underlying issue is always the same: interrupted or reduced blood flow to the bone.
Here are some of the most common causes and risk factors:
- Blood Clotting Disorders
When the tiny vessels supplying bone become blocked by clots, the bone tissue can’t receive oxygen. Conditions that increase clotting can drastically raise the risk of AVN.
- Injury or Trauma
A broken bone, dislocation, or major joint injury can damage blood vessels and trigger osteonecrosis—sometimes months or years later.
- Steroid Use
High-dose or long-term corticosteroid use is one of the most common causes of non-traumatic AVN. Steroids can raise lipid levels and alter marrow pressure, reducing blood flow.
- Excessive Alcohol Use
Heavy drinking increases fatty deposits in the blood, which can block circulation to the bone over time.
- Chemotherapy and Radiation
Cancer treatments can weaken bone structure and reduce blood flow, increasing the risk of AVN during or after treatment.
- High Cholesterol
Elevated lipids can thicken and narrow blood vessels, interfering with oxygen delivery to bone tissue.
- Smoking
Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reduces oxygen circulation, and slows healing—making AVN more likely and more aggressive.
- Idiopathic Cases (No Known Cause)
Some people develop osteonecrosis without any identifiable reason. This can be one of the most frustrating parts of the disease.
⸻
Signs & Symptoms to Watch For
Osteonecrosis often begins subtly, but early detection can slow progression.
Common symptoms include:
• Deep joint pain (often hip, knee, shoulder, ankle)
• Pain with weight-bearing
• Limited range of motion
• Night pain
• A limp or stiffness
Early diagnosis is critical—and MRI is the gold standard for catching AVN before collapse.
⸻
Treatment Options for Osteonecrosis
The best treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the joint involved. The earlier AVN is found, the more joint-preserving options are available.
Regenerative & Non-Surgical Treatments
These may help slow or stop progression in early stages:
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
Uses the patient’s own platelets to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. - Stem Cell Therapy
Mesenchymal stem cells can support bone regrowth and improve blood flow. - A2M (Alpha-2-Macroglobulin Therapy)
A natural protein that can help control inflammation and breakdown of cartilage. - Physical Therapy
Helps maintain strength, mobility, and joint function while reducing pain. - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
High-pressure oxygen may help restore blood supply and support bone repair.
⸻
Surgical Options When Damage Has Advanced
- Core Decompression
A surgeon removes part of the inner bone to reduce pressure and encourage new blood flow.
- Bone Grafting
Healthy bone is transplanted to replace damaged tissue.
- Total Joint Replacement
In later stages, when collapse or arthritis has occurred, joint replacement may provide pain relief and restore mobility.
Hips, knees, and shoulders are the most commonly replaced joints in advanced AVN.
⸻
Why Awareness Matters
Far too many people are diagnosed late, when the bone has already collapsed—limiting treatment choices and increasing the likelihood of joint replacement.
Awareness means:
• earlier detection
• more treatment options
• better outcomes
• improved quality of life
By sharing information, supporting research, and elevating patient voices, we help others find answers faster and feel less alone.
On this Osteonecrosis Awareness Day, let’s stand together—patients, caregivers, advocates, and medical professionals—and continue to push for earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and more compassion for those living with AVN.
Whether your journey began from an injury, steroids, alcohol, a medical treatment, or for no known reason…
your story matters, your pain is real, and your strength is inspiring.
You are not alone, and your voice raises awareness that could change someone else’s life.
AVN #osteonecrosis #awareness #bonedeath #AvascularNecrosis
http://www.joint-purpose.com
http://www.avascularnecrosiseducation.com
Avascular Necrosis-Osteonecrosis Education and Resources 