Avascular Necrosis of the Head of the Femur
The incidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in the developed world has been on a constant increase. The disease may be induced by trauma – sustained mostly in road accidents, as well as by long-standing corticosteroid treatment and excessive alcohol consumption, or may occur in connection with some other diseases. It is characterized by a varying extent of bone and bone marrow necrosis, which extent to the articular cartilage. Gradual sinking of the necrotic bone segment leads to involvement of the whole femoral head. Modern diagnostic methods allow for early and accurate diagnosis in early stages of disease, and enable us to plan appropriate therapy to stop the pathologic process. Advanced cases should be treated by more complex interventions, including osteotomy and prosthetic hip replacement.