What are causes or risk factors of AVN?
• There are 2 major forms of AVN, traumatic or non-traumatic (no injury from trauma). Fractures or dislocations of the hip are one of the most common causes. Direct injury to the hip blood supply can occur causing AVN. • The most common non-traumatic risk factor is a history of high dose steroid (corticosteroid such as prednisone) treatment for some medical problems such as severe asthma, Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, organ transplantation, and many others. • The next most common risk factor is a history of high alcohol use. The greater the alcohol consumption, the higher the risk of AVN. • Other risk factors include blood clotting problems, sickle cell disease, kidney disease, liver disease, smoking, and many others. • About 25% of patients develop AVN for no apparent reason (idiopathic).
