• Dr. Yamini Shinde

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, also referred to as osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), is a progressive musculoskeletal disorder resulting from compromised blood supply to the femoral head. Interruption of the vascular supply initiates a cascade of cellular death, structural weakening, and progressive deformation of the femoral head. If the condition is not recognized and managed during its early stages, subchondral fracture and collapse may develop, ultimately resulting in secondary degenerative changes of the hip joint. AVN may arise following traumatic events such as femoral neck fractures and hip dislocation, or from non-traumatic factors including prolonged corticosteroid exposure, excessive alcohol consumption, hematological disorders, autoimmune diseases, metabolic abnormalities and other systemic conditions. Early diagnosis is therefore essential because treatment options are strongly influenced by the structural condition of the femoral head. Conventional radiography remains useful for identifying established structural abnormalities, whereas magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is particularly valuable for detecting early disease that may not be apparent on plain radiographs. Several classification systems have been developed, with the revised Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) system providing a practical framework for staging disease according to imaging findings and femoral head collapse. Management ranges from observation, modification of risk factors and symptomatic measures to joint-preserving procedures such as core decompression in appropriately selected precollapse disease. Advanced disease with structural collapse and degenerative joint changes may require total hip arthroplasty. This review summarizes the major etiological factors, underlying mechanisms, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, staging systems and current treatment strategies for femoral head AVN, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and individualized management.

Avascular necrosis, osteonecrosis, femoral head, hip joint, MRI, ARCO classification, core decompression, total hip arthroplasty.

"A Comprehensive Review of Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no.a512-a521, September-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2609062.pdf

"A Comprehensive Review of Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no. ppa512-a521, September-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2609062.pdf