Causes And Risk Factors Linked To Avascular Necrosis

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy patients receive for cancer and other conditions has been shown to cause avascular necrosis in some cases. Avascular necrosis associated with radiation therapy is most commonly seen in the hips, specifically in the femoral head. While doctors attempt to target radiation therapy treatments and minimize side effects to healthy tissue, avascular necrosis remains a frequent side effect of pelvic radiation. In addition, patients who receive radiation may have underlying conditions like cancer, lupus, and other ailments that weaken the immune system. A weak immune system further elevates the risk of avascular necrosis, as does chemotherapy. Patients who need to have radiation therapy should discuss their individual risk of avascular necrosis and find out how the radiation and chemotherapy could affect their bones. Patients may wish to have regular bone density scans, and doctors will prescribe bone-strengthening drugs for patients at particularly high risk of avascular necrosis.