Osteonecrosis is a condition which results in “bone death.” Bone cells need oxygen and nourishment to survive. When blood supply is cut off to a portion of bone, the cells can die and the bone structure may crumble. While osteonecrosis can occur in any bone, one of the most common areas is the lower end of the femur in the knee joint. At Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA, orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Farzin Kabaei, offers knee osteonecrosis treatment at our medical center in Los Angeles.

What is Osteonecrosis (Bone Death) of the Knee?

Bone death, or osteonecrosis, of the knee is one of the causes of chronic knee pain and dysfunction. Knee osteonecrosis most commonly involves the medial femoral condyle, the inner portion of the lower femur in the knee joint. As the bone cells die, it can cause knee pain, both with weight bearing activities and at rest. Bone death in the knee occurs in different forms, including primary osteonecrosis (the most common) and secondary osteonecrosis after knee arthroscopy.

Knee osteonecrosis treatment depends on the stage of bone death. In the early stages, knee osteonecrosis can be treated using NSAIDs and reducing stress on the knee joint by using crutches or a cane. As the disease progresses, patients may require surgery to maintain mobility. This can include bone grafts, osteotomy, partial knee replacement or total knee replacement, depending on the level of damage to the knee joint.

Knee osteonecrosis can begin slowly and requires knee orthopedic expertise to diagnose. The condition may not be visible on x-rays in the early stages, but it can be identified with an MRI. Dr. Kabaei is a highly respected knee specialist and orthopedic surgeon who offers accurate diagnosis and advanced knee osteonecrosis treatment options. If you have chronic knee pain, contact us at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA in Beverly Hills to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kabaei.