How many times have you heard of a patient who suffers with arthritis? The word "arthritis" is often used as a sort of umbrella term describing pain and stiffness in the joints. In reality, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Many of these, including osteonecrosis, can have an irreversible and debilitating effect on the body.

What is Osteonecrosis?

Osteonecrosis, a severe form of arthritis, causes the bone to lose its supply of blood. Affected bones and joints will actually disintegrate as the disease progresses, causing eventual death of the bone. It's a challenge for doctors to treat this condition in its early stages, because most patients don't even manifest symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage.

Osteonecrosis Signs and Symptoms

Like many more common conditions, pain and stiffness after a period of physical activity is a symptom of osteonecrosis. Many patients who develop osteonecrosis in the hip will feel concentrated pain in the groin area. During the early stages, pain may only be evident when the affected area is in use. However, over time, pain will be felt even while the joint is at rest.

Diagnosing Osteonecrosis

Doctors are able to make a positive diagnosis of osteonecrosis through the use of X-rays. However, X-rays are only able to reveal cases that have progressed beyond the initial stages. Some healthcare professionals will also use magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) to detect tissue damage. Some patients will require a CAT scan before a firm diagnosis can be made.

Treatments for Osteonecrosis

Stopping the disintegration of the joints can require aggressive treatment. Chances of saving the affected areas are greatly increased with early diagnosis. Once the disease has progressed into the advanced stages, however, it may be too late to treat and save the damaged joints.

Surgical intervention may be required to treat osteonecrosis. There are several types of surgical treatment options:

* Core Decompression is a relatively simple procedure. This option is usually reserved for patients with fairly mild symptoms. This procedure involves the creation of a hole in the bone. The surgeon will remove a thick layer of the affected bone, increasing blood flow to the bone and reducing pressure.

* Bone Grafting: Common yet complicated, this procedure is used to support the affected joints. Healthy bone is removed during the grafting process, and used to replace dead bone in the affected area. This surgery is only used for patients experiencing osteonecrosis in its final stage. To promote healing following a bone graft, the patient must use an assistive device for up to a year after surgery.

* Osteotomy: An osteotomy is performed by cutting the bone below the affected area. The doctor will turn the bone, causing the healthy bone to become the new weight-bearing area. This procedure is complicated and reserved for patients experiencing advanced osteonecrosis.

* Arthoplasty: More commonly known as total hip replacement, this surgery is an option when the entire hip socket has become diseased. Doctors remove the damaged hip and insert an artificial joint in place.

Non-surgical treatment is possible when an osteonecrosis diagnosis is made early enough. There are drug treatments available, allowing doctors to halt the progression of the disease. Less advanced cases with can be treated with medication in combination with assistive devices and exercise. Researchers are now working on medications that can promote the growth of new bone matter and increase blood flow to the damaged joints.

Osteonecrosis, like most diseases, is most successfully treated with early detection. The trouble is that osteonecrosis is not easily diagnosed. Learn more about osteonecrosis, and if you feel that you may be experiencing symptoms of osteonecrosis, ask your doctor to perform further investigations. When diagnosed early enough, you can work with your doctor to treat the condition and relieve the symptoms without surgery.

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Contributor Rosamond Gaven is a writer for several web magazines, on fitness program and healthy care guide subjects.