Avascular Necrosis And Long-Term Disability

Avascular necrosis (AVN) occurs when bone tissue dies due to insufficient blood supply. Also known as osteonecrosis, this condition can result in small fractures within the bone that may lead to its collapse. It can also damage the surface of a nearby joint. If the condition remains untreated, the joint will ultimately deteriorate and cause severe arthritis. This degenerative process typically unfolds over months to years.

The condition can affect anyone, though it most commonly occurs in individuals aged between 30 and 50 and more frequently in men. Most individuals experience the condition in the hips and shoulders. However, it also affects other large joints, such as the knees, elbows, hands, and feet. If you have avascular necrosis and long-term disability (LTD) coverage, you may qualify for benefits depending on which bones are affected and how quickly and effectively the bone can rebuild.

Causes of Avascular Necrosis

Injuries such as bone fractures or joint dislocations can interrupt the blood flow to specific bone segments. However, a traumatic injury does not need to cause the condition. Often, no trauma or disease is present. If the cause is unknown, this is called “idiopathic avascular necrosis,” meaning it occurs without any known reason.

The following can also cause AVN:

• Long-term treatments with steroids;
• Excessive alcohol use;
• Sickle Cell Disease;
• Radiation therapy;
• Gaucher disease;
• Decompression sickness from a lot of deep-sea diving and
• Dislocation or fractures around a joint.

Some other disorders or diseases that may be associated with the development of avascular necrosis include:

• Pancreatitis
• HIV/AIDS
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Certain types of cancer, such as leukemia

Symptoms of AVN

Joint pain is the first sign of aseptic necrosis commonly experienced. It may only appear when putting pressure on the affected joint or persist at rest. 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.

As bone damage accelerates, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Pain in the joint that increases over time and will become severe if the bone collapses;
• Pain that occurs even when not in motion;
• Limited range of motion;
• Groin pain, if the hip joint is affected; and
• Limping if the condition occurs in or below the hips.

Advanced osteonecrosis can lead to osteoarthritis and permanent decreased mobility. Severe cases may even require total joint replacement.

Diagnosing Avascular Necrosis

Your medical provider should conduct a physical exam to determine whether you have any diseases or conditions that may affect your bones. Be sure to advise your doctor about any medications or vitamin supplements you are taking, even over-the-counter medicine. After a physical examination, your medical provider may order one or more of the following tests:

• X-ray;
• MRI;
• Bone scan; and
• CT scan

Treatment for AVN

If your medical provider identifies the cause of your avascular necrosis, your treatment may target the underlying condition. For example, if a blood clotting disorder is the cause, your treatment may involve clot-dissolving medicine. If the condition is caught in the early stages, you may take pain relievers and limit the use of the affected area.

Nonsurgical treatment can often slow the condition’s progression, but most people eventually require surgery. Surgical options include:

• A bone graft;
• A bone graft along with its blood supply (vascularized bone graft);
• Cutting the bone and changing its alignment to relieve stress on the bone or joint (osteotomy);
• Removing part of the inside of the bone (core decompression) relieves pressure and allows new blood vessels to form.

Get Help with Your Disability Claim for Avascular Necrosis

The key to a successful disability claim for avascular necrosis is to gather solid medical evidence and clearly show how your condition prevents you from working.

Start by getting thorough documentation from your doctor, including MRI scans and reports on your mobility limitations. When filing your claim, be straightforward about the impact of avascular necrosis on your daily life. Don’t underestimate the importance of detailing your symptoms and how they affect your job performance.

If your initial claim is denied, don’t give up. A disability lawyer who specializes in these cases can help you appeal the decision and fight for the benefits you deserve. Nick Ortiz is a national long-term disability attorney representing those wrongfully denied disability insurance benefits. Contact us online or call (888) 321-8131 to schedule your free case review today.