AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF THE FEMORAL HEAD: A DANGEROUS AND OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED CONDITION

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is increasingly common among younger patients and carries a high risk of disability if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Unfortunately, its symptoms often present subtly and may be mistaken for other musculoskeletal conditions.

Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head: A Dangerous and Often Misdiagnosed Condition

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital recently treated a case of a young adult with AVN that had been misdiagnosed and managed as an entirely different condition for months. Mr. N.N.K. (40 years old, from Lam Dong) came to the hospital after enduring chronic hip pain. He shared that over the past year, he had frequently experienced lower back pain and sharp pain in the hip while walking. Despite taking various medications, his symptoms did not improve. As he was in his prime working age, he was eager to find an accurate diagnosis and receive effective treatment.

About six months earlier, Mr. K. had visited several clinics and was diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation, which was believed to be the source of his hip and buttock pain. He underwent lumbar spine surgery as recommended, but his hip pain not only persisted but worsened, significantly impairing his mobility and quality of life. After continued unsuccessful treatments, he decided to seek a consultation at the Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital.

Upon clinical examination and pelvic X-ray, the doctors discovered that avascular necrosis of the femoral head was the true cause of his pain. Mr. K. was scheduled for total hip replacement surgery.

Dr. Vo Van Man, Specialist Level II and Head of the Orthopedics & Traumatology Department, explained that AVN of the femoral head is frequently misdiagnosed, particularly in its early stages. Some patients may not feel pain directly in the hip but rather in the knee, leading to incorrect diagnoses involving knee pathology. Others, like Mr. K., report pain in the buttock region and are mistakenly treated for lumbar spine issues. In this case, the previous spinal surgery had not addressed the root problem.

The surgical team, including Dr. Vo Van Man, Specialist Level II and Dr. Nguyen Van Huynh, MMed, performed a successful total hip replacement in a procedure that lasted approximately two hours. Mr. K. responded well to the surgery and began walking with assistance just two days afterward. His lower back and leg pain had resolved completely, and he was discharged in stable condition with scheduled outpatient follow-ups and physiotherapy.

Reflecting on his experience, Mr. K. shared that he had been anxious about undergoing another surgery after his spine operation. However, he placed his trust in Dr. Man and decided to proceed with the hip replacement in hopes of returning to his normal life. Just two days post-surgery, he could already walk more comfortably and without pain — a dramatic improvement that gave him new confidence.

Dr. Vo Van Man explained that total hip replacement is a highly effective treatment that improves mobility and quality of life for patients with AVN. With advancements in medical technology, this procedure is now safer and more precise. At Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, hip replacement is performed with modern techniques that involve smaller incisions, shorter surgery time, and reduced risk of infection. Patients benefit from shorter hospital stays, lower treatment costs, and stable, long-lasting joint function.

AVN of the femoral head is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can lead to joint deformity, a limp, and ultimately permanent disability. However, if detected early and diagnosed accurately, it is treatable. Patients should seek medical attention if they experience persistent or unusual hip pain, restricted mobility, or difficulty performing daily movements such as squatting, crossing legs, or climbing stairs.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital accepts both public health insurance and private health insurance.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital

No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.

Hotline: 18006767

info@nih.com.vn

BRC: No. 0312088602, issued on December 14th, 2012 by the Department of Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Minh City. Medical Examination and Treatment License No. 230/BYT-GPHĐ, issued by the Ministry of Health.