Understanding Aseptic Necrosis
Aseptic necrosis—also known as osteonecrosis and avascular necrosis—is a disease brought about when the blood supply to a bone is temporarily or permanently lost. This lack of blood can cause bone tissue to die and may also result in the collapse of the bone.
Although the disease is most commonly associated with people in their 30s, 40s and 50s, aseptic necrosis can develop at any age. Also, though it can affect women, aseptic necrosis is more often found in men. It generally affects the ends of long bones, and can typically show symptoms in the bones of the upper arm, shoulders, knees, and ankles.
The disease is usually sparked at the occurrence of bone trauma or fracturing. This causes blood vessels to break, which cuts off the blood supply to the bone. Without blood, small cracks can appear in the bone, eventually leading to a collapse. It can also damage the surface of a nearby joint.
Joint pain is the first sign of aseptic necrosis commonly experienced. It may only appear when putting pressure on the affected joint, but can also persist when the joint is resting. How much pain you experience may depend on how much damage has been caused to the bone and surrounding joints and whether or not a collapse has occurred.
Disability and Aseptic Necrosis
A person can become disabled due to aseptic necrosis, depending on which bones are affected and how quickly and effectively the bone can rebuild. Even though the human body is in a constant state of bone restructure, during this disease the bone tissue is torn with such consistency that the usual healing process is ineffective. This is what causes bone collapse and pain.
If you are disabled because of this disease and your insurance company has denied your claim for benefits, contact our office at (888) 321-8131 for information on how you may be eligible to receive disability benefits.