Avascular necrosis is a medical condition in which there is a lack of blood supply to the bone, which leads to death of the bone tissue. Women are more at risk of developing this condition than men.

The most common causes for this condition are severe trauma, cancer, and sickle cell anaemia. Other causes include certain medications and hyperparathyroidism.

It is characterized by severe pain in the area of damage to the bone, along with swelling and shortening of the muscle around the joint. Patients with avascular necrosis may also complain about stiffness or difficulty moving or weight bearing.