Avascular necrosis is death of part of a bone due to disruption of its blood supply, usually as a result of an injury to the bone, such as a fracture.
It most commonly affects the shoulder, hip, or knee.
It may not produce any obvious symptoms in the early stages, but later there is often persistent, gradually worsening pain in the affected area.
Treatment of avascular necrosis depends on the amount of bone damage, but may include medication, or, if there is extensive damage to the bone, surgery, such as a bone graft or joint replacement.