Introduction
Necrosis of the femoral head is a dying off of the femoral head, usually in connection with a lack of blood supply to the bone. The symptoms of such necrosis are primarily pain that occurs in certain areas. In addition, a number of accompanying symptoms can occur, which are discussed in more detail below.
Typical symptoms of femoral head necrosis
The following symptoms are typical for femoral head necrosis: Pain: The pain is mainly felt in the hip or thigh. They can radiate into the groin or even into the knee. The pain is mainly dependent on movement.
In the case of aseptic femoral head necrosis in adults, groin pain also frequently occurs at night. The pain in the groin can also be triggered or intensified by pressure in the groin area. Restricted movement: Restricted mobility is also a leading symptom of femoral head necrosis.
In this case, restrictions of rotation in the hip joint are the main symptom. In addition, the lateral lifting of the leg (abduction) is restricted. In half of the cases, the symptoms occur on both sides.
- Pain: The pain is mainly felt in the hip or thigh. They can radiate into the groin or also into the knee. The pain is mainly motion-dependent.
In the case of aseptic femoral head necrosis in adults, groin pain also frequently occurs at night. The pain in the groin can also be triggered or intensified by pressure in the groin area.
- Movement restrictions: Restrictions in mobility are also a leading symptom of femoral head necrosis. In this case, restrictions of rotation in the hip joint are the main symptom.
In addition, the lateral lifting of the leg (abduction) is restricted.
- In half of the cases the symptoms occur on both sides.
Since the hip is located directly behind the groin, the pain often radiates into the groin. This is particularly the case in aseptic femoral head necrosis in adults. The pain in the groin occurs mainly at night or at rest, but can also be felt under stress.
At night, the blood flow to the body is limited to the bare minimum due to the reduced body functions. Since the necrosis of the femoral head is caused by a reduced blood supply to the femoral head, pain often occurs at night because the already reduced blood supply is further reduced. The pain of femoral head necrosis can radiate not only into the groin but also into the buttocks.
In addition, the pain often causes the patient to adopt a relieving position. Sparing postures ensure that the muscles are tensed. As a result, the tense buttock muscles can also cause pain. Temporary cramps of the muscles are also possible. This topic might also be of interest to you:
- Therapy of femoral head necrosis
