AVN

Medical abbreviation · Musculoskeletal & Rheumatology

AVN
Stands forAvascular necrosis
CategoriesMedical

AVN stands for Avascular necrosis, a musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviation.

Death of bone tissue from interrupted blood supply, most often in the femoral head, leading to collapse of the joint surface and arthritis. Major risk factors are corticosteroid use, heavy alcohol use, sickle cell disease and hip fracture or dislocation.

Example: Bilateral femoral head AVN on MRI after high-dose steroids; core decompression for precollapse left hip.

Usage notes

Also called osteonecrosis. Early disease is often visible on MRI before X-rays change. Treatment depends on stage: core decompression may help before collapse, while total hip arthroplasty is needed after. The scaphoid, talus and humeral head are other common sites. Pronounced as letters.

More musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviations

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  • CTS – Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • DAS28 – Disease Activity Score in 28 joints

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Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.