What does AVN mean in NURSING

AVN usually occurs when an underlying medical condition causes disruption to the normal flow of blood to the bones of the body. Common underlying conditions that can lead to avascular necrosis include trauma, prolonged corticosteroid use, excessive alcohol use, smoking, some autoimmune diseases and metabolic disorders.

AVN is typically diagnosed using imaging tests such as X-ray or MRI scans. These tests help your doctor determine if there are any areas of bone loss or damage due to lack of blood supply.

The type of treatment recommended will depend on the severity of the condition and which joints are affected by avascular necrosis. Generally speaking, nonsurgical treatments are recommended to start off with such as medications, physical therapy or lifestyle modifications. In more severe cases however surgery may be required in order to prevent further damage from occurring.

It is not always possible to prevent AVN from occurring but you can reduce your risk by avoiding activities that put your joints under excessive strain such as sports involving high impact activities; avoiding smoking and limiting excessive alcohol consumption; maintaining a healthy weight; avoiding sudden changes in altitude (such as flying); and treating any underlying medical conditions promptly.