If your doctor suspects you have osteonecrosis, he or she will take your medical history and do a physical exam. Your doctor may also order one or more tests to see which bones are affected and the amount of bone affected.
X-ray
An x-ray is a picture of the bones that may help your doctor diagnose the cause of your pain. However, an x-ray is not sensitive enough to detect bone changes that may be a sign of osteonecrosis; because of this, your doctor may order more tests even if your x-ray is normal. As osteonecrosis worsens, an x-ray may show bone damage caused by the disease. If you are diagnosed with osteonecrosis, x-rays are often used to monitor the disease.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
An MRI is a form of imaging that detects chemical changes in the bone marrow. It provides your doctor with a picture of the part of your bone or bones that are affected by osteonecrosis—whether or not you have symptoms—and how well your bones are rebuilding themselves. An MRI is the most sensitive test for diagnosing osteonecrosis in its earliest stages.
Computed tomography (CT) scan
A CT scan is a form of imaging that provides your doctor with a 3D (three-dimensional) picture of your bones. A CT scan also shows “slices” of the bone, making the picture much clearer than an X-ray or bone scan. However, not all doctors agree that CT scans are useful to diagnose osteogenesis. Although doctors can usually diagnosis osteonecrosis without a CT scan, it may be useful in determining the extent of bone damage.
Bone Scan
A bone scan is a form of imaging that is used in patients who have normal X-rays and no risk factors for osteonecrosis. A bone scan can detect all bones and joints in the body that are affected by osteonecrosis. In this test, a harmless radioactive material is injected into the body, and then a picture of the bone is taken with a special camera. The picture shows how the injected material travels through blood vessels in bone.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a surgical procedure in which a tissue sample from your bone is removed and studied to determine whether you have osteonecrosis. A biopsy is rarely recommended because it requires surgery.
Bone Pressure Measurements
If you have normal x-rays, MRIs, and bone scans buy your doctor still suspects you may have osteonecrosis, he or she may order tests that measure the pressure inside of your bone or bones. Increased pressure is a sign that you may have osteonecrosis.
Osteonecrosis that is diagnosed early is easier to effectively treat.
There are several treatments for osteonecrosis. The goals of treatments are to:
- Improve use of the joint.
- Stop further damage.
- Protect bones and joints.
Your treatment options may include surgery or non-surgical treatments, such as medicines. Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you based on several factors, including:
- Your age.
- The stage of the disease.
- Where and how much bone has osteonecrosis.
- The cause, if known. If the cause is steroid or alcohol use, treatment may not work unless you stop using those substances.
Non-surgical Treatments
Non-surgical treatments do not cure osteonecrosis, but they may help manage the disease. Your doctor may recommend one or more non-surgical treatments, especially if the disease is in its early stages:
Medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce pain and swelling.
- If you have blood-clotting problems, blood thinners may be used to prevent clots that block the blood supply to the bone.
- If you take steroid medicines, cholesterol-lowering drugs may be used to reduce fat in the blood.
Taking Weight Off the Joint
Your doctor may suggest you limit your activity or use crutches to take weight off joints with osteonecrosis. This may slow bone damage and allow some healing. If combined with NSAIDs, it may help you avoid or delay surgery.
Range-of-motion Exercises
Your doctor may recommend you exercise the joints with osteonecrosis to help improve their range of motion.
Electrical Stimulation
Your doctor may recommend electrical stimulation therapy to help bone growth.
Surgery
Most people with osteonecrosis eventually need surgery as the disease worsens. Some people with early stage disease may need surgery if non-surgical treatments do not help.
There are four types of surgery. Your doctor will decide if you need surgery and what type is best for you.
- Core decompression surgery, which lowers the pressure inside the bone. This increases blood flow to the bone.
- Osteotomy, which reshapes the bone. This reduces stress on the damaged joint.
- Bone graft, which takes healthy bone from one part of the body and uses it to replace diseased bone.
- Total joint replacement, which replaces the joint with a manmade one.
The prognosis for people with osteonecrosis varies from person to person. It depends on what part of the bone is affected by osteonecrosis, how much of the bone is affected, and how well the bone rebuilds itself.
Most people with osteonecrosis require treatment to prevent further bone damage, protect the bones and joints, and improve the use of joints with osteonecrosis. Without treatment, most people with the disease will have severe pain and limited movement within two years.