Avascular necrosis: radiological findings and main sites of involvement - pictorial essay

Abstract

The term avascular necrosis describes any one of a number of bone diseases that have a common mechanism: the death of bone components due to lack of blood supply. Avascular necrosis can occur in diverse parts of the skeleton, each location-specific form not only receiving a distinct designation but also presenting unique epidemiologic characteristics. However, the imaging findings are similar in all of the forms, which pass through well-described radiological phases, regardless of the site of involvement. Because avascular necrosis can cause considerable morbidity if not properly detected and managed, the radiologist plays a fundamental role. The present study provides a brief review of the main radiological aspects of the various forms of avascular necrosis, illustrated on the basis of a collection of cases from our institution.

Imaging Features of Plantar Vein Thrombosis: An Easily Overlooked Condition in the Differential Diagnosis of Foot Pain

“…MRI findings appear before they are seen radiographically and include bone marrow edema, with tiny subarticular and serpentine low signal linear abnormality representing the fracture line, associated with adjacent bone marrow edema. Fragmentation of the articular surface and flattening of the metatarsal head articular surface can be seen in advanced cases [45,46]. Refer to Figure 14 for a typical case of plantar plate injury.…”

Osteonecrosis of the Humeral Head 3 Years Following Fracture Fixation of a 4-Part Proximal Humerus Fracture: A Case Report

“…Osteonecrosis of the humeral head is difficult to diagnose in the early stages because radiographic findings may appear normal [ 4 ]. However, as the disease progresses, radiographs can reveal findings such as subchondral sclerosis, flattening of the articular surface, and cyst formation [ 7 ]. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sensitive tool for detecting early-stage ON, and it is recommended in cases where there is a high clinical suspicion of osteonecrosis [ 8 ].…”

No dejemos morir al hueso: interiorizándonos con los procesos óseos avasculares

“…Por el contrario, el cuerpo presenta una vascularización bastante pobre. 17,18 La ON del astrágalo guarda una estrecha relación con los traumatismos; la necrosis atraumática solo representa un 10% de los casos. 6,16 Existen dos lesiones traumáticas que potencialmente pueden desencadenar la aparición de la ON: fracturas del cuello del astrágalo y dislocación del astrágalo.…”