Osteonecrosis

Which are the causes of Osteonecrosis?

See some of the causes of Osteonecrosis according to people who have experience in Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, is a condition that occurs when there is a loss of blood supply to a bone, leading to its death. This can result in pain, limited mobility, and even bone collapse. While the exact cause of osteonecrosis is not always clear, there are several factors that can contribute to its development.

1. Trauma and Injury

Trauma or injury to a bone can disrupt the blood supply, causing osteonecrosis. Fractures, dislocations, or any other form of significant trauma can damage the blood vessels that nourish the bone, leading to its death over time.

2. Steroid Use

Prolonged or high-dose use of corticosteroids is a well-known risk factor for osteonecrosis. Steroids can interfere with the body's ability to maintain healthy bone tissue by reducing blood flow and impairing bone repair mechanisms.

3. Alcohol Abuse

Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken bones and impair blood circulation, making them more susceptible to osteonecrosis. Alcohol abuse can also lead to fatty deposits in blood vessels, further compromising blood flow to the bones.

4. Medical Conditions

Several medical conditions can increase the risk of osteonecrosis:

Lupus and other autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation and damage to blood vessels.

Sickle cell disease and other blood disorders can lead to blockages in blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the bones.

Diabetes can affect blood circulation and increase the risk of osteonecrosis.

Hypercoagulable disorders that cause excessive blood clotting can disrupt blood flow to the bones.

5. Radiation Therapy

High-dose radiation therapy can damage blood vessels and decrease blood flow to the bones in the treated area. This can result in osteonecrosis, which may occur months or years after the radiation treatment.

6. Joint Disorders

Certain joint disorders can increase the risk of osteonecrosis:

Osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases can cause joint damage and impair blood flow.

Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases can lead to joint inflammation and damage blood vessels.

Joint dislocation or instability can disrupt blood supply to the bone.

It is important to note that osteonecrosis can also occur without any identifiable cause, known as idiopathic osteonecrosis. Additionally, the risk of developing osteonecrosis can vary depending on individual factors such as age, gender, and overall health.

by Diseasemaps

For some the cause is unclear. It seems to affect females with a certain body type more per my doctor. Also heavy steroid use has been shown to cause osteonecrosis especially in females. I believe that is how I acquired the disease as I was in the military and treated with heavy steroids due to wounds I sustained while in the service.

5/18/17 by Dot 350

Steroids / cortisone/prednisone Alcohol Aids Sickle cellsisease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Idiopathic Trauma Gaucher's disease

6/16/17 by Austin 4830

Avascular necrosis occurs when blood flow to a bone is interrupted or reduced. Reduced blood supply can be caused by: Joint or bone trauma. An injury, such as a dislocated joint, might damage nearby blood vessels. Cancer treatments involving radiation also can weaken bone and harm blood vessels. Fatty deposits in blood vessels. The fat (lipids) can block small blood vessels, reducing the blood flow that feeds bones. Certain diseases. Medical conditions, such as sickle cell anemia and Gaucher's disease, also can cause diminished blood flow to bone.

6/30/17 by Dave 2270

I would add: blood clotting disorders to the above list.

9/27/17 by Alan 900

Unknown. Some reported causes center around a lack of suffient blood supply to the area, and however, I there are many reasons for that. In my own case the culpret was a broken femur that didn't heal. I am sure there are many other and different causes, such especially among those that have bilateral ON.

11/3/17 by Pamela 1600

Trauma to joint, steroids, and alcohol.

6/11/18 by Rob 1500

Well depends mines was an virus, but can happens when taken drugs, car accident, extremely sports

6/11/18 by Megan 2500

The “known” cause are: Steroid use Extreme alcohol intake Sickle cell disease Circulatory problems Illegal drug use Trauma to the area Or Idiopathic (no known cause)

11/13/18 by Scott 3050

All of the causes are still being investigated. What they suspect so far are steroid use, heavy alcohol use, and smoking. Now this is an area where genetic research will be helpful.

8/27/19 by Cheryl 2800

Long term steroid, chemotherapy, radiation, Coagulation issues

2/28/20 by Lisa j 1700

Osteonecrosis may be caused by physical injury to the joint (ie car crash). Alcoholism can cause osteonecrosis. Corticosteroid treatment (for example prednisone, prednisone) is also linked to the condition, particularly long courses of high dose corticosteroids. The mechanism that alcohol or steroids can cause osteonecrosis is unknown. In 40% of cases the cause is unknown, also called 'idiopathic'

3/15/20 by Caitlin 3050

Translated from spanish Improve translation

Corticosteroids Alcoholism Fractures Malpractice Iatrogenic

5/18/17 by Javier. Translated

Top questions

What is the life expectancy of someone with Osteonecrosis?

Celebrities with Osteonecrosis

Is Osteonecrosis hereditary?

Is Osteonecrosis contagious?

ICD10 code of Osteonecrosis and ICD9 code

View more questions of Osteonecrosis

World map of Osteonecrosis

Find people with Osteonecrosis through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Osteonecrosis community.

There are 374 people in the map. View Map of Osteonecrosis