AVN Flashcards
What are causes of AVN?
Long-term steroid use - MAJOR
Chemotherapy (often combined with high-dose CS therapy)
Alcohol excess
Trauma
What is AVN?
Death of bone tissue secondary to loss of the blood supply.
Leads to bone destruction and loss of joint function.
What does AVN most commonly affect?
Epiphysis of long bones like the femur
What are features of AVN?
Initially asymptomatic -> pain in affected joint
Ix of AVN?
Plain x-ray normal initially (may see osteopenia and microfractures)
Collapse of articular surface -> crescent sign
MRI is the investigation of choice
Why is MRI preferred to radionuclide bone scanning in AVN Ix?
More sensitive than radionuclide bone scanning
Mx of AVN?
Joint replacement may be necessary
In which age group does AVN most commonly present?
30-50 years
Sex difference in AVN?
Equal prevalence between males and females
What type of steroids are a significant risk factor for AVN?
Oral (relative to inhaled)
