Is surgery the best option for avascular necrosis?
Patient: I got my MRI and Bone Scan done. It showed me having AVN on left femoral head. It is Stage I. Few days back, pain flared up so much that besides being painful I could not stand or move my left leg. I got admitted in the hospital with the help of pain killers like Tramadol, the pain subsided. However, am advised to be careful and avoid load bearing on left leg. Further my doctor suggested that I should undergo immediate surgergy to open up channels for blood supply to femoral head to retain and protect its natural shape. Pls advise. Doctor: Hi,  Avoiding weight bearing would prevent any collapse of dead bone in avascular zone. As suggested by your doctor,surgery in early stages of disease would help preserve your femoral head. In Advanced stages, joint replacement would an option.  Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Regards, Dr. Rajesh Gayakwad, Orthopedic Surgeon