Avascular Necrosis is when the shoulder has had a disruption in the blood supply to the head of the humerus causing pain and can lead to destruction of the shoulder joint. As the necrosis progresses the bone collapses which damages the articular cartilage covering the bone and leads to arthritis. This can also lead to the collapse of the humeral head which in turn damages the glenoid socket.
Symptoms include
- Pain
- Arthritis
Causes
- Decrease in blood supply to the head of humerus which without blood supply the bone cells will die.
- High dose steroid use
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Fracture of the shoulder or another traumatic injury
