What causes bone necrosis?
Disease description:
The femur is fractured, and after two months of rest, the condition has worsened with the occurrence of bone necrosis. What are the causes of this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis or aseptic bone necrosis, is a disease characterized by the death of bone cells due to interruption of the blood supply to the bone. This condition can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects individuals between 30 and 60 years old, with slightly more cases occurring in males than females. The main causes include the following:
1. Trauma: For example, disruption of local blood supply following a fracture can lead to ischemic bone necrosis.
2. Circulatory disorders: This is the most common cause of bone necrosis. The femoral head, for instance, is a common site for osteonecrosis because its blood supply is particularly unique. Once the blood vessels are damaged, it can easily lead to insufficient local blood supply, resulting in death of bone cells.
3. Long-term corticosteroid use: Prolonged use of high-dose corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can increase blood viscosity, impair microcirculation, and lead to thrombosis of small vessels within the bone marrow, thereby causing ischemic bone necrosis.
4. Lifestyle factors: Poor habits such as chronic alcohol consumption and smoking may also contribute to bone necrosis.
5. Decompression sickness: In divers, if decompression occurs too quickly during ascent, dissolved nitrogen in the body rapidly forms bubbles that can block blood vessels, impair blood flow, and potentially lead to bone necrosis.
