Osteonecrosis of the Knee Treatment
Bones require oxygen and nutrients from the body to stay strong and healthy. If the blood supply is interrupted to a portion of the bone, it can die and disintegrate. Osteonecrosis of the knee is a condition that impacts the end of the femur or other bones in the knee, causing bone and joint damage. At DOCS Health, we offer advanced osteonecrosis of the knee treatment at our orthopedic clinic in Los Angeles.
Osteonecrosis occurs when the blood supply is no longer reaching a part of the ends of the femur or tibia in the knee joint. Without nourishment, the bone begins to die and crumble. This can result in the articular cartilage collapsing and increased friction or inflammation in the joint. Those with osteonecrosis are likely to have knee arthritis and joint degeneration that can cause knee pain and functional issues.
Risk Factors for Osteonecrosis
The exact cause of lost blood supply to the bones in the knee joint is not always apparent, but there are risk factors for this condition. Some of these include:
- Gender – women are much more likely to have osteonecrosis than men
- Taking certain oral steroid medications can increase risk
- Obesity, lupus, sickle cell anemia and some other medical conditions increase risk
- Knee injury and trauma
- Age – those over 60 are at higher risk
Symptoms of osteonecrosis often begin slowly. Pain and swelling can occur around the front and inside of the knee; the area may be tender to the touch. This can be followed by pain with weight on the knee or limited range of motion.
Early diagnosis and osteonecrosis of the knee treatment can help minimize the risk of severe osteoarthritis and damage to the knee joint. Non-surgical intervention with anti-inflammatory medications and rest followed by physical therapy can be effective. In some cases, surgery is needed to repair or reduce damage to the bone and knee joint.
If you have symptoms of osteonecrosis of the knee, do not wait to have your condition diagnosed. Contact our team at DOCS Health to schedule an exam and consultation at our orthopedic clinic in Los Angeles.
Doctors who treat this condition
Unless otherwise indicated, the physician is a member of DOCS Health Medical Group and has medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both. Physicians denoted with an asterisk (*) are independent physicians who are not part of DOCS Health Medical Group, but do have medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both.