Prognosis
In children the prognosis is very good. Due to their growth potential, osteonecroses heal very well when they are spared. The prognosis for aseptic bone necrosis depends very much on the stage of the disease.
In early stages, the knee is fully functional after adequate therapy. In later stages or severe courses, the prognosis is rather poor. The joint can usually only be replaced with a prosthesis during the course of treatment. The prognosis for septic bone necrosis is very different and worse than for aseptic necrosis, depending on how well the germ can be eliminated from the bone. In principle, however, complete function of the knee is possible again.
Prophylaxis
Since the final cause of osteonecrosis of the knee has not been clarified, no clear prophylaxis can be developed. Risk factors such as overload and excessive, chronic alcohol abuse should be avoided if possible. In the case of long cortisone intakes, additional preparations of calcium and vitamin D are prescribed to prevent bone defects.
