ORTHOPAEDICS • GUWAHATI
Hip AVN Treatment
Focus on Non-Surgical Methods
Dr. Firoz Ahmed, MS Orthopaedics
Updated: May 2026
Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the hip is a condition where blood supply to the head of the femur (ball shaped part of the hip joint) is reduced, leading to bone marrow and cartilage damage and eventual collapse of the whole joint.
Dr Firoz Ahmed, a leading hip joint expert in Guwahati, focusses on the various Hip AVN non surgical joint preservation methods to delay surgery, specially some innovative methods like ARTHRODIASTASIS of the Hip and specialized medications like DMARDs.
Focus on Non-Surgical management of Bone and Joint diseases to delay and/or avoid surgery.
- Pioneer in Orthobiologics in North East
- Advanced Minimally Invasive Techniques
- Complete Rehabilitation support
- Trusted by patients across Guwahati, Assam, and North East India.
Hip AVN Stages and Treatment
Stage 1
Conservative Management
- Medications
- Activity modifications
- Exercises
Stage 2
Conservative +/- Procedures
- Arthrodiastasis
- Selective Regenerative options
Stage 3
Higher risk of collapse
Conservative + Procedures
Stage 4
Joint Replacement is the long-term solution
Why should Total Hip Replacement (THR) be delayed in AVN if possible?
In end-stage AVN Hip, THR remains a very good choice to regain function and movement
However, there are some inherent disadvantages associated with THR, which everyone, specially the younger patients with early to moderate disease should be aware of.
- THR implants have limited shelf-life. Younger the patient, shorter will be the time it will last. Although nobody can accurately predict the exact time frame, but studies have shown that in very young patients they can last as less as 10 years
- Once THR implant fails, at whichever time frame, the patient has to undergo a revision surgery, which is a comparatively bigger procedure than the original surgery. In this way, the young patients may land up in multiple surgeries over their lifetimes.
- THR surgery is a costly surgery, specially if we go for high quality modern implants.
When is Non-Surgical Treatment Effective?
- Early to mid stage AVN
- Mild to moderate pain
- Patients wanting to delay surgery
Goals of Treatment
- Pain relief
- Prevent femoral head collapse
- Maintain joint function
- Delay need for surgery
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Activity Modifications
- Avoid running, jumping, and high-impact activities
- Limit prolonged standing and squatting
- Take adequate rest during pain episodes
Protected Weight Bearing
- Use crutches or a walker
- Reduces stress on the hip joint
Medications
- Pain relief: Paracetamol etc
- Bone protection: Bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronate)
- DMARDs
Exercises
- Range of motion exercises
- Hip abductor strengthening
- Avoid high-load exercises
Lifestyle Modifications
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Reduce or stop steroid use
- Maintain healthy body weight
Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Arthrodiastasis
Advanced Hip Preservation
Arthodiastasis of Hip
A minimally invasive joint preservation procedure designed to reduce pressure on the hip and promote healing.
- No cut
- No stitch
- No admission
- Quick recovery
- No major side effects
Limitations
- Does not reverse AVN
- Less effective after bone collapse
- Many patients may eventually require surgery, specially at an older age
When is to Consider Surgery?
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Failure of all conservative management
Explore similar topics
An exciting new field of non surgical treatment
Common questions about Knee Replacement
FAQs
Early treatment can slow disease progression, but complete healing is rare.
Walking is allowed, but excessive weight bearing should be avoided.
Earlier the better. Usually upto Stage 3, conservative management should be tried.
Usually the same day.
No. It doesn’t spread like that.
Medical review by Dr Firoz Ahmed, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics) – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Guwahati.
Last Updated: Apr 2026
Medical Disclaimer:
Dr Firoz Ahmed
Joint Replacement and Joint Preservation Surgeon
OPD: Mon–Sat | 9 AM – 4 PM
Location: ARHI Hospital, Jorabat (near Guwahati, Khanapara)
Wish to know more about Hip AVN?
Contact us now!