Avascular necrosis is a medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to a bone is disrupted, leading to bone tissue death. This condition can affect any bone in the body, but it is more common in the hip joint. Avascular necrosis can cause severe pain and disability, and it may require surgery to treat.
Definitions
Avascular necrosis is defined as the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. This condition can occur in any bone in the body, but it is most commonly seen in the hip joint. Avascular necrosis is also known as osteonecrosis or ischemic bone necrosis.
Origin
The term avascular necrosis comes from the Latin words “a-” meaning without, “vas” meaning vessel, and “necrosis” meaning death. The condition was first described in the medical literature in the mid-19th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
- Merriam-Webster: “the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply”.
- Oxford English Dictionary: “a condition in which bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply”.
- Dictionary.com: “the death of bone tissue due to inadequate blood supply”.
Associations
Avascular necrosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Trauma to the bone.
- Long-term use of corticosteroid medications.
- Alcohol abuse.
- Blood clotting disorders.
- Radiation therapy.
- Certain medical conditions, such as sickle cell disease and lupus.
Synonyms
- Osteonecrosis.
- Ischemic bone necrosis.
- Aseptic necrosis.
- Bone infarction.
Antonyms
As avascular necrosis is a medical condition, it does not have antonyms.
The same root words
The root words of avascular necrosis are “a-” meaning without, “vas” meaning vessel, and “necrosis” meaning death. Other medical terms that contain these root words include:
- Avascular: without blood vessels.
- Vasculitis: inflammation of blood vessels.
- Necrotic: pertaining to death of tissue.
Example Sentences
- Avascular necrosis can cause severe pain and disability in the affected bone.
- Long-term use of corticosteroids can increase the risk of developing avascular necrosis.
- Treatment for avascular necrosis may include medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
- The exact cause of avascular necrosis is not always known, but it is often associated with a disruption of blood supply to the affected bone.