Conservative Treatments
Conservative treatments for avascular necrosis include:
Medications
Drugs to reduce fatty substances (lipids) that increase with corticosteroid treatment or to reduce blood clotting in the presence of clotting disorders. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may also be prescribed to reduce pain.
Reduced Weight Bearing
If avascular necrosis is diagnosed early, the doctor may begin treatment by having the patient remove weight from the affected joint. The doctor may recommend limiting activities or using crutches. In some cases, reduced weight bearing can slow the damage caused by avascular necrosis and permit natural healing. When combined with medication to reduce pain, reduced weight bearing can be an effective way to avoid or delay surgery for some patients.
Range-of-motion Exercises
Range-of-motion exercises may be prescribed to maintain or improve joint range of motion.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation is used to induce bone growth.
