Be wary of avascular necrosis for hip pain
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By Song Sang-ho
Severe cases of coxarthropathy are frequently observed among patients who visit hospital assuming what they have is a simple case of hip pain.
Many of these patients seek medical attention only after they begin experiencing major difficulties in carrying out their daily routine even after injections or physical therapy for the pain in their hips.
The coxa, commonly known as the hip joint, is the joint between the femur and the pelvis, and it plays an important role in supporting and dispersing our body weight when we are walking or in motion.
However, damage to the coxa is not well-perceived by the affected individual, and it is difficult to distinguish it from common back pain.
For this reason, early treatment is not sought by the affected individuals.
There are various diseases associated with the coxa that arise from physical damage and aging, and one of the more common diseases is avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
This is a disease that arises from suppressed blood flow to the femoral head, which in turn results in necrosis of the bone cells.
Although the exact cause and progression of this condition are unknown, excess alcohol consumption, use of steroids and traumatic injury are known to be risk factors.
High prevalence of this condition is observed among men in their 30s to 50s, which suggests that regular and heavy drinkers as well as middle-aged men should be especially wary.
In the case of office workers, who spend most of their time at their desks, they may mistake the hip pain arising from avascular necrosis for a herniated disc caused by improper posture, and they may postpone their visit to a specialist.
If left untreated, however, the damage will become further aggravated and the depression in the femoral head will become more extensive.
This in turn will cause difficulty in crossing the legs in a seated position or limping due to a difference in leg lengths.
In fact, when the depression in the femoral head is severe, the affected individual will begin noticing a difference in leg lengths, and their torso may suddenly jerk forward involuntarily.
Unlike general arthritis, avascular necrosis is a disease caused by the “rotting” of the bones, and specialized treatment is essential.
This condition can be diagnosed relatively easily based on the results of MRI and X-ray imaging.
If in the early stages, it can be treated by drug therapy or multiple drilling of the femoral head to improve blood flow.
On the other hand, if the area of necrosis is extensive, artificial joint replacement must be considered.
Artificial joint replacement is a surgical method that helps patients, who cannot perform their daily activities due to the intense pain, regain the proper function of the coxa.
A minimal incision method has been introduced thanks to technical advances, and this has reduced the site of incision by half compared to the past.
As a result, this new method lowers the risk of complications and adverse effects, with minimal hemorrhaging and scarring, and it has also shortened the recovery time.
For this reason, middle-aged men who need to return to work as soon as possible are highly satisfied with the procedure.
In the case of avascular necrosis, it is especially important for patients to change their lifestyle.
The best way to prevent this disease is to lower their alcohol intake, and have a regular physical examination, especially those who are taking steroids.
Remember, drinking as a way to relieve stress can actually be poisonous for your health.
The writer is the president of Wellton Bone and Joint Hospital.