Avascular Necrosis (AVN), also known as Osteonecrosis, Aseptic Necrosis, or Ischemic Necrosis, is a degenerative disease which commonly affects the femur. The primary cause of AVN is the disruption of the blood supply to the bones, which can be temporary or permanent. Without sufficient blood flow to provide nutrition, the bone in the head of the femur dies and gradually collapses, resulting in the deterioration of the articular cartilage covering the hip bones and potentially leading to the development of disabling arthritis. AVN can manifest in a single bone, multiple bones at different times, or multiple bones simultaneously.
During core decompression, one large hole or multiple smaller ones are made in the femoral head to reduce pressure and create pathways for new blood vessels to form. This procedure is often done in combination with bone grafting, a process used to generate healthy bone and support cartilage near the hip joint. The surgeon then uses a biocompatible paste specifically designed to fill the newly-drilled hole. This substitute bone graft is then reabsorbed by the body and replaced with natural bone as it heals.
The average procedural time for this surgery is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, and most patients require minimal (if any) narcotic pain medication after surgery, as Tylenol and Celebrex generally suffice for pain management.
