What is AVN of the hip?
AVN is a form of osteonecrosis that occurs in the epiphyseal or subchondral region, and in the hip typically involves the anterolateral aspect of the femoral head. Unilateral AVN can be a result of trauma, such as a displaced femoral neck fracture, while bilateral AVN occurs due to nontraumatic causes seen in a large variety of clinical conditions, the more common of which include hemoglobinopathies, corticosteroid use, metabolic and endocrine diseases, and alcoholism. The presumed mechanism is failure to repair necrotic fractured trabeculae.
