Hello,
I’m Dr. Anupam Khandelwal, an Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon based in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. As an Avascular Necrosis (AVN) Dr. in Indore, I regularly see patients from Indore, Bhopal, and Ujjain who come to me with one common question after being diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis (AVN)—why does this condition occur?
This blog is written to clearly explain the causes of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) in simple, easy-to-understand language. More importantly, it will help you understand how reduced blood supply leads to bone damage, why early awareness matters, and when timely consultation with an experienced AVN specialist can help prevent further joint deterioration.
First, One Important Thing to Understand
Avascular Necrosis (AVN) does not happen suddenly. Instead, this condition develops gradually when something interferes with the blood supply to the bone. As an Avascular Necrosis (AVN) Dr. in Indore, I often explain to patients that the damage begins long before severe pain or stiffness is felt.
Bones are living tissue; therefore, when blood flow reduces, bone cells start dying slowly—this is how Avascular Necrosis (AVN) begins. If not identified early, the weakened bone structure can collapse, leading to joint damage and the need for advanced treatment.
Main Causes of Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
Avascular Necrosis (AVN) Dr. in Indore . Let’s break it down one by one
1. Long-Term Steroid Use ( Most Common Cause of AVN )
One of the leading causes of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) among patients from Indore and nearby cities of Madhya Pradesh is the use of steroid medicines. As an experienced avascular necrosis (AVN) doctor in Indore, I often see these drugs being prescribed for a variety of medical conditions, including:
- Asthma
- Autoimmune disease
- Skin conditions
- Post-COVID treatment
How steroids cause AVN:
- Steroids increase fat levels in the blood.
- As a result, small blood vessels supplying the bone may become blocked.
- Consequently, blood flow to the bone reduces, which can lead to damage.
- Even short-term high-dose steroid use can increase the risk of AVN.
2. Sickle Cell Disease and Other Blood Disorders Causing AVN
Certain blood-related conditions can cause blockage of blood vessels.
In sickle cell disease:
- Red blood cells can change shape and become rigid.
- As a result, blood flow to the bones may be blocked, particularly in weight-bearing joints.
- Over time, repeated blockages can gradually damage bone tissue, leading to AVN.
This is an important cause seen in some patients from Madhya Pradesh.
3. Medical Treatments That Affect Blood Flow in AVN
Some advanced treatments can increase AVN risk:
Radiation therapy Chemotherapy and Organ transplant medicines .
Such treatments can cause damage to:
• Blood vessels • Bone metabolism
AVN may develop years after treatment, so long-term follow-up is important.
4. Sometimes, No Clear Cause Is Found (Idiopathic AVN)
In some patients, no clear reason is found; however, AVN still develops.
This is called:
Idiopathic AVN
Even without a known cause, the disease process remains the same — reduced blood flow leading to bone damage.
Common Misconceptions
“Only older people get AVN”
It is a common misconception that AVN affects only older adults. While age can increase the risk, teenagers who have suffered injuries may also develop this condition. In addition, young adults using steroids and individuals with blood disorders remain vulnerable. Therefore, anyone experiencing persistent joint pain should seek an early evaluation from an experienced avascular necrosis (AVN) doctor in Indore.
Not true. While age increases risk, AVN can affect:
- Teenagers
- Individuals who have experienced injuries or trauma
- Young adults with a history of steroid use
- People with blood disorders affecting circulation
Intermittent pain may still mean early AVN. Any persistent joint pain deserves evaluation.
What You Can Do to Reduce the Risk of AVN
- Limit alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol intake can increase the risk of AVN; therefore, keeping drinking habits under control is important. - Use steroids carefully
Steroid medicines should be taken only as prescribed and under regular medical supervision to reduce potential risk. - Manage underlying health conditions
Proper control of diabetes, high cholesterol, and autoimmune disorders helps protect bone health and circulation. - Get early evaluation for joint pain
Any persistent pain in the hip or other joints should be evaluated promptly by an orthopedic specialist.
Why Early Detection of AVN Matters
The sooner AVN is identified:
- Better treatment outcomes are achieved with early diagnosis.
- Timely intervention helps preserve joint structure.
- As a result, the need for joint replacement can be delayed or avoided.
Especially in young active adults from Indore, Bhopal, Ratlam and other parts of MP, early diagnosis can make a huge difference in quality of life.
AVN Awareness in Madhya Pradesh
- Steroids were used without proper medical guidance.
- The risk of alcohol consumption was underestimated.
- Initial joint pain was ignored or overlooked.
Especially in young, active adults from Indore, Bhopal, Ratlam, and other parts of Madhya Pradesh, early diagnosis by an experienced avascular necrosis (AVN) doctor in Indore can make a significant difference in long-term quality of life.
Understanding causes helps in early diagnosis and prevention of progression
Hindi Summary (संक्षेप में)
AVN (एवैस्कुलर नेक्रोसिस) तब होता है जब हड्डी तक जाने वाला खून कम हो जाता है।
मुख्य कारण:
• लंबे समय तक स्टेरॉयड दवाइयाँ
• ज़्यादा शराब पीना
• हड्डी या जॉइंट की चोट
• सिकल सेल जैसी बीमारियाँ
• कुछ मेडिकल ट्रीटमेंट
कारण समझना बहुत ज़रूरी है ताकि बीमारी आगे न बढ़े।
Swahili Summary (Kwa Ufahamu Rahisi)
AVN (Avascular Necrosis) hutokea pale mfupa unapokosa damu ya kutosha.
Sababu kuu:
• Matumizi ya muda mrefu ya dawa za steroid
• Unywaji wa pombe kupita kiasi
• Majeraha ya joint
• Magonjwa ya damu kama sickle cell
Kuelewa chanzo husaidia kugundua ugonjwa mapema.
Trusted Avascular Necrosis (AVN) Specialist in Indore
Dr. Anupam Khandelwal provides expert evaluation and personalized treatment for patients suffering from AVN. With a focus on early diagnosis and joint-preserving techniques, patients receive advanced care aimed at pain relief, improved mobility, and long-term joint health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most common cause of AVN?
The most common cause of AVN is the long-term or high-dose use of steroid medications.
2. Can taking steroids for a short period of time also cause AVN?
Yes, in some cases, taking high doses of steroids for a short period can also lead to AVN.
3. Does excessive alcohol consumption cause AVN?
Yes, regular and excessive alcohol consumption damages blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the bones and can lead to AVN.
4.Can AVN occur after an injury or fracture?
Yes, especially after an injury or fracture near the hip or joint, the blood supply to the bone can be affected, which can lead to AVN.
5. Is the cause of AVN identified in every patient?
No, in some patients, no clear cause for AVN is found. This is called idiopathic AVN.
6. Can blood-related diseases cause AVN?
Yes, blood disorders such as sickle cell disease can cause AVN by blocking blood flow.
7. Is AVN a genetic disease?
AVN is not directly genetic, but some inherited blood disorders can increase the risk of developing it.
8 Can an unhealthy lifestyle cause AVN?
Yes, excessive alcohol consumption and taking medications without a doctor’s advice can increase the risk of AVN.
9. Why does taking steroids increase the risk of AVN?
Taking high doses of steroids for a long period can lead to fat deposits in the blood, which can block the blood vessels in the bones.
10. Is it possible to prevent AVN?
Yes. The risk of AVN can be reduced by controlling steroid and alcohol consumption, and by managing weight and other health problems (such as diabetes and high cholesterol).
11. Free Avascular Necrosis (AVN) Surgery in Indore?
Dr. Anupam Khandelwal is undertaking a social initiative to provide 100 free hip and 100 free knee replacement surgeries for economically disadvantaged patients in Madhya Pradesh.