Overview

Avascular necrosis happens when something blocks the flow of blood to your bone tissue. Your bones are constantly changing as your skeletal system makes new bone tissue to replace aging bone tissue that eventually breaks down and dies.

Think of this as a cycle — your body makes new tissue to replace the tissue that’s breaking down and dying. This pattern needs to happen correctly to keep your bones healthy and strong. Blood carries the nutrients and oxygen bones need to stay healthy and regenerate. Without blood flow, your skeletal system can’t make new bone tissue fast enough. The dying bone begins to crumble and eventually collapses.

How common is avascular necrosis?

Between 10,000 and 20,000 Americans develop avascular necrosis every year. It can affect all ages and genders, but this condition happens most often to people in their 30s and 40s.

Where does avascular necrosis develop?

Avascular necrosis can affect bone tissue in any joint, but typically targets your hip. Other joints that can develop avascular necrosis include:

  • Ankles.
  • Jaw.
  • Knees.
  • Upper arm (humerus) and shoulders.
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