What is the prevalence of Osteonecrosis?

How many people does Osteonecrosis affect? Does it have the same prevalence in men and women? And in the different countries?

Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, is a condition characterized by the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. The prevalence of osteonecrosis varies depending on the underlying cause and the population studied. However, it is estimated that approximately 10,000 to 20,000 new cases of osteonecrosis are diagnosed each year in the United States alone. Certain risk factors, such as trauma, steroid use, alcohol abuse, and certain medical conditions, can increase the likelihood of developing osteonecrosis. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial in managing this condition.

Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, is a condition characterized by the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. It commonly affects the hip joint, but can also occur in other joints such as the knee, shoulder, and ankle.

The prevalence of osteonecrosis varies depending on the population studied and the underlying causes. In general, it is estimated that osteonecrosis affects approximately 10,000 to 20,000 people in the United States each year. However, these numbers may be underestimated as many cases go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Several factors can contribute to the development of osteonecrosis: trauma, long-term use of corticosteroids, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medical conditions (such as sickle cell disease and lupus), and radiation therapy. Additionally, it can occur without any identifiable cause, known as idiopathic osteonecrosis.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing osteonecrosis. Treatment options may include medication to reduce pain and inflammation, physical therapy, assistive devices, and in severe cases, surgical interventions like joint replacement or core decompression.

If you suspect you may have osteonecrosis or are experiencing joint pain, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Diseasemaps

The frequency of AVN depends on the site involved. The most common site is the hip; other locations include the carpals, talus, femur, metatarsal, mandible, and humerus. In the United States, approximately 15,000 new cases of AVN are reported each year. AVN accounts for more than 10% of total hip replacement surgeries performed in the United States. Most recently, 380 cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with bisphosphonate use have been reported. Most patients with osteonecrosis of the jaw also had an ongoing malignancy and/or had undergone a recent dental procedure.

In most countries, the incidence and prevalence of AVN are unknown. A Japanese survey estimated that 2500-3300 cases of AVN of the hip occur each year; of these, 34.7% were due to corticosteroid use, 21.8% to alcohol abuse, and 37.1% to idiopathic mechanisms.

Data on mortality rates associated with AVN are not available. Most data involve AVN of the hip. Mortality rates are very low and vary based on the operative procedure used to treat AVN.

Morbidity rates are high and depend on the underlying cause. Morbidity rates associated with AVN of the hip are high; the prevalence of long-term disability is significant. Despite advances in orthopedic procedures, most patients with advanced AVN require more than one hemiarthroplasty or total hip replacement during their lifetime.
Race

AVN has no racial predilection except for cases associated with sickle cell disease and hemoglobin S and SC disease, which predominantly occur in people of African and Mediterranean descent.
Sex

With the exception of AVN associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, AVN is more common in men, with an overall male-to-female ratio of 8:1.

Posted Jun 30, 2017 by Dave 2270

There’s a lot but mostly adults then children

Posted Jun 11, 2018 by Megan 2500

AVN/Osteonecrosis is diagnosed for only about 10-12,000 people a year. It affects all races, genders and ages.

Posted Nov 13, 2018 by Scott 3050

It is a rare disease. And is listed on NORD.

Posted Aug 27, 2019 by Cheryl 2800

It's a rare disease so it is unlikely you know anybody with it. From memory there are 10000-20000 people affected in America.

Posted Mar 15, 2020 by Caitlin 3050