🦴 What Is Hip Avascular Necrosis?

Hip Avascular Necrosis (AVN)—also called osteonecrosis of the hip—occurs when the blood supply to the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) is disrupted. Without adequate blood flow, the bone tissue weakens and eventually collapses, leading to arthritis and loss of joint function.
At Atlanta Bone & Joint Specialists, our orthopedic team specializes in early diagnosis, joint-preserving procedures, and total hip replacement when necessary. Whether you need early AVN care or revision hip replacement, we offer the right solution.

⚠️ Symptoms of Hip AVN

  • Deep groin or thigh pain
  • Pain when walking, standing, or climbing stairs
  • Limping or favoring one leg
  • Loss of hip range of motion
  • Pain at rest or at night (in later stages)
Symptoms often start gradually and worsen over time. Early intervention is key to preserving the joint.

🧬 What Causes AVN of the Hip?

The most common causes include:
  • Trauma: hip fractures or dislocations
  • Steroid use: long-term or high-dose corticosteroids
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Sickle cell disease or clotting disorders
  • Autoimmune disease (e.g., lupus)
  • Idiopathic: sometimes no clear cause is found

🧪 How We Diagnose Hip AVN

At Atlanta Bone & Joint Specialists, your evaluation may include:
  • Physical exam and clinical history: range of motion, gait, and pain triggers
  • X-rays: may appear normal in early stages
  • MRI: most accurate tool for detecting early AVN
  • CT scans for advanced or surgical cases

🛠️ Hip AVN Treatment Options

🧍 Non-Surgical (Early-Stage AVN):
  • Reduced weight bearing (crutches, cane)
  • NSAIDs and anti-inflammatories
  • Bisphosphonates or other bone-preserving medications
  • Activity modification


⚙️ Surgical Options:
  • Core decompression: relieves pressure and restores blood flow (best for early stages)
  • Bone grafting or biologic augmentation: adds support to weakened bone
  • Total hip replacement: best for advanced collapse or arthritis
  • Outpatient anterior hip replacement options available

⭐ Why Choose Atlanta Bone & Joint Specialists?

  • 🏥 Total joint specialists
  • 🧠 Experts in both joint preservation and total hip replacement
  • 🕒 Same-day appointments and on-site imaging
  • 📍 Locations in Decatur, Snellville, and Loganville
  • 💬 Trusted by referring physicians and patients across Atlanta

📞 Schedule Your Appointment Today

📞 Don’t Wait—Hip AVN Can Progress Rapidly.  ​If caught early, AVN of the hip may be treated without major surgery. If advanced, we offer minimally invasive hip replacements to restore your function and quality of life.
📍 Atlanta Bone & Joint Specialists — Orthopedic excellence since 1968.
📞 Call (404) 298-3730 or request an appointment online
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