What is AVN (Avascular necrosis)?

Avascular necrosis of bone may develop after short-term as well as after maintenance steroid therapy. Early diagnosis with bone scanning and management may in some cases prevent joint destruction. Avascular necrosis (also called osteonecrosis, aseptic necrosis, or ischemic bone necrosis) is a disease that results from the temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bone. When blood supply is cut off, the bone tissue dies and the bone collapses. If avascular necrosis occurs near a joint, collapse of the joint surface may occur.