What is the Treatment for Osteonecrosis?
While some treatments may provide relief from the pain associated with osteonecrosis, surgical removal of the dead bone and joint replacement are the only effective treatments for people who have serious osteonecrosis. If you are diagnosed with osteonecrosis, you may benefit from: • Surgery – options range from minor outpatient procedures to reinforce bone, to partial or total hip replacement. • Medications – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen may decrease the pain of osteonecrosis. • Assistive devices – canes, crutches, or a walker may lesson the pain associated with bone disorders and may reduce the risk of falls. How Doctors Determine the Difference Bone mineral density (BMD) is the measurement of calcium levels in bones, which can estimate the risk of bone fractures. It is also used to determine if a patient has osteopenia or osteoporosis. Bone mineral density tests are non-invasive and painless procedures usually done on the hip, spine, wri
