Radiological evaluation of avascular necrosis at various sites

Background: Avascular necrosis (AVN) is defined as cellular death of bone components due to interruption of the blood supply. Aim and objectives: To study the appearances of avascular necrosis at different sites using radiological modalities like: X-ray, MRI to diagnosis and evaluate AVN in order to do early management of the condition. Materials and methods: 86 cases of either strong suspicion or symptoms related to avascular necrosis at various sites were evaluated who came to Dhiraj Hospital with different radiological modalities like X-ray, MRI. Results: Out of total number of 86 patients who were diagnosed and evaluated for avascular necrosis at different sites on X-ray, MRI along with its association with trauma, steroids and alcohol; most common sites being femoral head, humoral head, lunate, tibial tubercle, scaphoid. Conclusion: Femoral head was the most common site affected with avascular necrosis with trauma being the most common risk factor. The sensitivity of detection of collapse of the involved bone and joint space narrowing was same for MRI and plain radiography. This findings were correlated for pre-collapse and post collapse state for avascular necrosis by MRI and X-ray.