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Of the more than 100 different types of arthritis, osteonecrosis is among the most devastating. "Arthritis" is often used as a simple classification to describe pain and stiffness in the joints. The many forms of arthritis, including osteonecrosis, can have irreversible and debilitating effects on the body. How is Osteonecrosis Different? With osteonecrosis, a severe form of arthritis, the bone loses its supply of blood. The affected bones and joints disintegrate as the disease progresses, causing eventual death of the bone. Doctors are challenged in treating this condition in its early stages, because patients won't usually manifest symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Symptoms The most common symptoms of osteonecrosis are sensations of pain and stiffness following a period of physical activity. Many patients who develop osteonecrosis in the hip will experience concentrated pain in the groin area. In the early stages of the disease, pain is evident only when the affected area is in use. As the disease becomes more advanced, pain is felt even while the joint is at rest. Diagnosis A diagnosis of osteonecrosis can be made with the use of X-rays, but only in cases where the disease has progressed beyond the initial stages. Doctors can also detect tissue damage using an MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging machine. For some patients, a CAT scan is required to make a firm diagnosis. Treatments for Osteonecrosis Stopping the disintegration of the joints can require aggressive treatment. Chances of saving the affected areas are greatly increased with early diagnosis. Once the disease has progressed into the advanced stages, however, it may be too late to treat and save the damaged joints. Many cases of osteonecrosis will require one of several types of surgical intervention: * Core Decompression: This relatively simple procedure is usually reserved for cases where the symptoms are still fairly mild. With this procedure, a hole is created to remove a thick layer of the affected bone. The result is increased blood flow to the bone and reduced pressure. * Bone Grafting: A common yet complicated procedure used to support affected joints. During the grafting process, healthy bone is removed from one part of the body and used to replace dead bone in the affected area. This surgery is reserved for patients experiencing osteonecrosis in its final stage. Following a bone graft, the patient will be required to use an assistive device for up to a year after surgery, to promote healing. * Osteotomy: An osteotomy is performed by cutting the bone below the affected area. The doctor will turn the bone, causing the healthy bone to become the new weight-bearing area. This procedure is complicated and reserved for patients experiencing advanced osteonecrosis. * Arthoplasty: Also known as a total hip replacement, this surgery is only used when the entire hip socket has become diseased. The damaged hip is removed, and an artificial joint is inserted in place. If an osteonecrosis diagnosis is made soon enough, non-surgical treatment is possible. Doctors are able to choose to prescribed drug therapies to keep the disease from progressing. When combined with exercise and assistive devices, medications can be used successfully in less advanced cases. Today, researchers are working to produce new medications to promote the growth of new bone matter and increase blood flow to the damaged joints. Osteonecrosis, like most diseases, is most successfully treated with early detection. The trouble is that osteonecrosis is not easily diagnosed. Learn more about osteonecrosis, and if you feel that you may be experiencing symptoms of osteonecrosis, ask your doctor to perform further investigations. When diagnosed early enough, you can work with your doctor to treat the condition and relieve the symptoms without surgery.
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Essayist Rosamond Gaven enjoys writing articles for numerous Internet sites, on fitness program and healthy care themes.
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