How Many Stages Does AVN Have and What Do They Mean?

Introduction

Avascular Necrosis (AVN), also known as osteonecrosis, is a painful condition that affects thousands of people every year. It happens when blood supply to a bone is reduced or completely cut off, causing the bone tissue to die over time. The most commonly affected joints are the hip, knee, shoulder, and ankle.

One of the most important things to know about AVN is that it does not progress suddenly. It moves forward in stages, and each stage tells us how far the damage has gone. Understanding these stages is not just medical jargon it helps patients know what to expect, what treatments might work, and how they can prevent the condition from getting worse.

Why Does AVN Progress in Stages?

AVN is not like an injury where the bone suddenly breaks. Instead, it is a slow and silent process:

• First, the blood supply to the bone gets blocked.

• The bone tissue slowly starts dying.

• As time passes, the bone loses strength.

• Finally, the structure collapses, and the joint gets permanently damaged.

  The Stages of AVN Explained

  

Stage 1: The Silent Beginning

• What patients feel: Sometimes, there may be no pain at all in this stage. In other cases, patients may feel mild joint pain, especially after physical activity.

• What doctors see: Normal X-rays often cannot detect AVN in Stage 1. Only advanced scans like MRI can show early bone changes.

• Why this stage matters: This is the best stage for treatment. Since the bone has not yet collapsed, regenerative treatments like SVF therapy, core decompression, or lifestyle changes can be very effective.

  Stage 2: The Warning Signs

• What patients feel: Pain becomes more noticeable, especially when putting weight on the joint (like walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods). Rest may bring some relief.

• What doctors see: X-rays may now start showing subtle changes such as bone density loss (sclerosis) or small cyst-like areas. MRI scans provide even clearer images of bone damage.

• Why this stage matters: This is still an early stage, which means treatments can stop or slow down progression. Patients may benefit from regenerative therapies (like SVF), medications to improve bone health, and reduced physical strain on the joint.

  Stage 3: The Collapse Begins

• What patients feel: Pain becomes more severe and persistent. Everyday activities like sitting, standing, or even sleeping may cause discomfort. Patients often limp or change their walking style to reduce pressure on the joint.

• What doctors see: X-rays now show visible bone collapse. The joint surface becomes irregular, which causes grinding and stiffness.

• Why this stage matters: This is a critical stage where joint preservation treatments become less effective. In some cases, surgical interventions may be needed. However, therapies like SVF may still help in slowing further damage if caught early in this stage.

  Stage 4: The Advanced Stage

• What patients feel: Pain is constant and often unbearable. Simple movements like walking across the room or bending become extremely difficult.

• What doctors see: X-rays and MRIs show a completely deformed joint with arthritis-like changes. The cartilage (smooth covering of the joint) is also destroyed.

• Why this stage matters: At this point, joint-preserving treatments rarely work. Most patients require joint replacement surgery, such as hip replacement or knee replacement, to regain mobility and reduce pain.

The Role of Modern Treatments Like SVF in Early Stages

As we saw, once AVN reaches Stage 3 or 4, surgical options become more likely. But in Stages 1 and 2, regenerative treatments like Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) therapy can be a game-changer.

SVF uses healing cells derived from a patient’s own fat tissue to:

• Improve blood supply in the affected bone.

• Reduce inflammation and swelling.

• Regenerate damaged bone tissue.

• Provide long-term pain relief.

Conclusion

So, how many stages does AVN have? The answer is four main stages, each one representing a step in the journey of bone damage from silent beginnings to complete collapse.

• Stage 1 is hidden and only visible on MRI.

• Stage 2 brings warning signs and mild pain.

• Stage 3 marks the beginning of bone collapse.

• Stage 4 is advanced, often requiring surgery.

The meaning of these stages is simple: the earlier AVN is caught, the better the chances of avoiding surgery and preserving natural joint health. Modern treatments like SVF therapy hold great promise in early stages, while advanced stages may need surgical intervention.

For patients, understanding these stages means having the knowledge and power to make informed decisions about their health. And with specialized care available at hospitals like Sahaj Hospital, the journey with AVN can be managed more effectively, bringing hope and relief.