Osteonecrosis also known as Avascular Necrosis (bone infarction, aseptic necrosis, ischemic bone necrosis) is when your bone dies due to a lack of blood supply.
Known causes of ON (AVN):
- Alcohol Abuse
- Steroid treatment
- Chemotherapy
- Traumatic blunt force injury
- Blood clotting disorders (ie. Factor V Leiden, MTHFR)
Where ON (AVN) presents itself: Osteonecrosis (Avascular Necrosis) usually effects the joints, the most common being the hips and the knees. However, the disease can effect any joint in the body (shoulder, ankles etc.). The disease usually presents itself bilaterally, meaning if you have it in your right hip you will most likely also have it in you left hip.
Diagnosis: In the early stages of ON (AVN) it is NOT detectable on an X-Ray. It can be seen on a a bone scan, but the best way of detecting ON (AVN) is by an MRI.
ON (AVN) in children is referred to as Legg-Calvé-Pethes Syndrome (you will find a paper concerning this syndrome under clinical papers).
Osteonecrosis (Avascular Necrosis) 
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Hello, I have Avascular Necrosis and was diagnosed with this in 2004/5 and I had a right hip replacement in 2015. I was not told about AVN being a permanent condition, what the causes of it were, what I can do to cope with it… I was just left alone. After I had the hip replacement, I started researching AVN especially since I was told it is very common in people who have Sickle Cell – which I do. I also have a complex medical history and the AVN is one of the major issues I face. I basically wanted to ease the chronic pain I’m now experiencing, in my knees and left hip. Is a vibrating plate a good exercise machine to use, for someone who has a hip replacement? Answers please and thank you 😊