IS AVASASCULAR NECROSIS RELATED TO OSTEOARTHRITIS?

[TILY]

14 Months ago I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in both knees and Buritis in my hips. It came on suddenly and it is very painful. I have seen 2 specialists and have had 2 lots of steroid injections in both knees and one steroid injection in my right hip. I have been taking Meloxicam and painkillers. Today I have been to see a specialist with the view to having knee replacement surgery. After looking at my recent x rays he has informed me that I have Avascular Necrosis in both knees. My left knee joint has collapsed and the right one is heading for collapse. Can you tell me if Avascular Necrosis is a form of Arthritis?  If so what do you get first Osteoarthritis or Avascular Necrosis?I am 55 years old.  
Thank You

[MBurt76]

Avasculary necrosis occurs when the blood supply to the bone is cut off for reasons of trauma or disease.  This causes the bone in the area without blood supply to die and then to break down, often crumbling and failing to bear weight properly.  Knee replacement can be done usually, depending on the location and size of the necrotic bone (I have a large lesion in a location that at present makes replacement impossible).  It is also called osteonecrosis.  It doesn't improve by iteself so do follow up with the treatment!  Best to you...Here are some links to more information:

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[smittygirl]

Avascular necrosis is when the blood supply to the bone is cut off and the bone "dies" from lack of blood  It does usually target the knees and or femur.  There is good info out there on it, you can go to MayoClinic.com or just Google the word and a ton of info will pop up.  My ex has it so I knew what it was.  Good luck to you.  

Sue