Avascular Necrosis

Also known as AVN or ‘osteonecrosis’

This is when the blood supply to the femoral head in the femur is damaged. This may cause bone to die and the surface of the femoral head to collapse, leading to eventual degeneration of the joint and arthritis. Often the cause of AVN is unknown (idiopathic) although sometimes the cause may be due to excessive steroid intake, often unwittingly through TCM, or due to excessive alcohol intake, certain diseases and even deep sea diving.