Secondary AVN

AVN is know to occur much more frequently in certain groups of patients. This includes any condition that interferes with the blood flow to the hip or increases the likelihood of a blockage in the blood vessels within the hip.

Trauma to the hip joint

• Intra-capsular femoral neck fracture
• All paediatric femoral neck fractures
• Traumatic dislocation of the hip
• Irradiation
• Inflammatory arthritis (Rheumatoid, Lupus)

Metabolic or Haematological Conditions

• Diabetes
• Sickle cell anaemia
• Chronic Renal Failure
• Gout
• Gaucher's Disease
• Decompresssion sickenss (Caisson's disease)
• Thrombophilia
• Hypofibrinolysis
• Thalassemia
• Hyperlipidemia
• Cushing's disease
• Pregnancy

Drugs may cause AVN

• Alcoholism
• Chemotherapy
• High dose steroids
• Anti-rejection drugs for organ transplants
• Carbontetrachloride poisoning

Avascular necrosis can also be a complication of osteoarthritis (see Arthritis) or of a slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

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