Osteonecrosis

What is it?

Although the disease called osteonecrosis was discovered in Egyptian mummies, there is a lack of information available in understanding and treating this disease. The word osteonecrosis comes from a combination of two words which mean that part of the bone is no longer alive and cannot regenerate itself due to a lack of blood supply.

In most cases, the disease attacks people in their late thirties and forties for the first time. If left untreated, it will eventually destroy the joint, thereby requiring a joint replacement. It is estimated that 10% of all hip replacements performed in the United States are due to osteonecrosis (also called avascular necrosis). Although osteonecrosis is not life threatening, it is extremely debilitating, especially when you consider the age factor.

The juvenile version of osteonecrosis is known as PerthesDisease and usually afflicts children from ages four through twelve.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Osteonecrosis can affect any bone in the body. The most common sites are the Hips, Knees, Shoulders and Ankles in that order of frequency. Certain other bones may develop osteonecrosis when they are fractured, and the fracture damages the blood supply, particularly one of the small bones of the wrist and some of the bones of the foot and ankle. So far, all of the above are treated by Orthopedic Surgeons. One other site, that is not treated by orthopedic surgeons, is osteonecrosis of the jaw. This is treated by maxillofacial (craniofacial) surgeons, and has its own set of peculiarities.

The principals in the development and maintenance of the NONF do not have expertise in Osteonecrosis of the Jaw, and are not in a position to advise patients who carry this diagnosis. The American Dental Association has information on their website,
but we are not aware of a web site such as this for osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Related Sites

We have selected several websites that we believe would be of interest to patients with osteonecrosis or Perthes’ disease. If you would like to add your name to our list, please contact us by e-mail.