What Causes AVN Of Foot?

Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2014

Question: Okay, I spoke with one of the Dr.. Last night, she was wonderful. She explained that I had an AVN in my knee, which is what I thought because I had one in my foot and. I know the the pain of one. I actually showed her the X-rays as well. Today I received the written report and spoke with my orthopedic who said nothing about an AVN, he just seems to thinking need a knee replacement. So my question is do I have an AVN OF NOT?

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Unlikely that you have AVN Detailed Answer: Hi, I looked at the one image you sent from your MRI scan which does not show AVN. I cannot make a diagnosis based on this one image. Your regular X-rays if you have them would be more useful initially. it's very unusual but not impossible to get AVN in your knee joint. we do see it in children occasionally who have life threatening illnesses such as septicaemia or leukaemia but rarely in adults. based on what you and your Dr have said it is much more likely that you have osteoarthritis. if this is the case then knee replacement is not the only option or the first thing you would jump too. generally physiotherapy, antiinflammatory medications and occasionally a brace might help. cortisone shots can also be of benefit.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (37 minutes later)

Okay. The reason i asked the question is because i had an avn in the past and the pain is so similar. On march 5th i had meniscus repair surgery and since then i have not been able to bear weight on that leg without incredible pain. I sent you yhe written report as well, would you be able to explain to me what all that means

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Still unlikely to be AVN in your knee Detailed Answer: Hi, The only attached report is the MRI image. AVN in the foot is more common. in adults it commonly affects the heads of the metatarsal bones. If it affects the 2nd metatarsal head it is called friebergs disease. the management of this condition is usually non-operative. You are not more likely than anyone else to get AVN elsewhere in your body including your knee because you have had it in your foot. children sometimes get AVN of the navicular bone this is called kohlers disease. Unusual to have such severe pain after a meniscal repair, it would suggest that there is something else going on in your knee and so I would reprint back to your surgeon. Regards,

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T