bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Osteonecrosis
Symptoms of Osteonecrosis
As osteonecrosis progresses, more and more tiny fractures may occur, particularly in bones that support weight, such as the hip. As a result, the bone usually collapses weeks or months after the blood supply is cut off. Most often pain develops gradually when the bone begins to collapse. At times, however, pain may begin suddenly and could be related to increased pressure that develops in and around the affected area of bone. Regardless of how sudden, pain is increased by moving the affected bone and typically is alleviated with rest. The person avoids moving the joint to minimize pain. If the affected bone is in the leg,standing or walking worsens the pain and a limp develops. In osteonecrosis of the hip,pain is usually present in the groin and may extend down the thigh or into the buttocks. Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the kneecauses sudden pain along the inner part of the knee. There may be tenderness in this area, and the joint often becomes swollen with excess fluid. Bending the knee may be painful, and people may have a limp. Osteonecrosis of the shoulderoften causes fewer symptoms than osteonecrosis that occurs in the hip or knee. However, it can be a significant problem for people who use weight-bearing crutches. Osteoarthritis (OA) None Because many of the risk factors for the development of osteonecrosis affect the whole body (for example, chronic corticosteroid use, excessive alcohol intake, sickle cell disease), osteonecrosis may occur in multiple bones. In Sickle Cell Disease , osteonecrosis may occur in different long bones and cause sudden pain. 