What happens when the femoral head collapse?
Osteonecrosis of the hip develops when the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted. Without adequate nourishment, the bone in the head of the femur dies and gradually collapses. As a result, the articular cartilage covering the hip bones also collapses, leading to disabling arthritis.
What is a femoral head collapse?
Collapse of the femoral head is the most significant pathogenic complication arising from osteonecrosis of the femoral head. It is related to the disruption of the maintenance of cartilage and bone, and results in an impaired function of the vascular component.
What causes flattening of the femoral head?
When avascular necrosis occurs in the hip joint, the top of the femoral head collapses and begins to flatten. This is where most of the weight is concentrated. The flattening creates a situation where the femoral head no longer fits perfectly inside the socket. The joint begins to wear itself out.
What does it feel like when your hip collapses?
As the condition worsens, your affected joint might hurt only when you put weight on it. Eventually, you might feel the pain even when you’re lying down. Pain can be mild or severe and usually develops gradually. Pain associated with avascular necrosis of the hip might center on the groin, thigh or buttock.
Does avascular necrosis go away?
Untreated, avascular necrosis worsens with time. Eventually, the bone can collapse. Avascular necrosis also causes bone to lose its smooth shape, potentially leading to severe arthritis.
What does bone death feel like?
Symptoms may include: Minimal early joint pain. Increased joint pain as bone and joint begin to collapse. Limited range of motion due to pain.
What happens to the femoral head during AVN?
In the environment of continued growth and good hip range of motion, both the hip ball (femoral head) and hip cup (acetabulum) change shape to regain a better “fit” or congruency. Older children have less growth potential and therefore are not as able to reverse the hip deformity that can occur with AVN.
What happens when the femoral head of the hip collapses?
Once a critical amount of the bone is absorbed, the femoral head can collapse leading to immediate and significant pain. Many patients are told they have “broken” their hip during an emergency room visit after initial collapse. This “break” is not similar to a broken forearm or broken leg.
What are the prognostic factors for hip AVN?
Besides age and gender, the amount of femoral head that is involved and the location of the AVN within the femoral head are also critical prognostic factors in adolescents with hip AVN. The cause or etiology plays a role in prognosis as well.
Can a femoral head deformity be reversed?
If AVN occurs in a younger child that results in a femoral head deformity, this can be reversed and improved with growth and maintained hip range of motion. In the environment of continued growth and good hip range of motion, both the hip ball (femoral head) and hip cup (acetabulum) change shape to regain a better “fit” or congruency.