原本
Although the disease called osteonecrosis was discovered in Egyptian mummies, there is a lack of information available in understanding and treating this disease. The word osteonecrosis comes from a combination of two words which mean that part of the bone is no longer alive and cannot regenerate itself due to a lack of blood supply.
In most cases, the disease attacks people in their late thirties and forties for the first time. If left untreated, it will eventually destroy the joint, thereby requiring a joint replacement. It is estimated that 10% of all hip replacements performed in the United States are due to osteonecrosis (also called avascular necrosis). Although osteonecrosis is not life threatening, it is extremely debilitating, especially when you consider the age factor.
The juvenile version of osteonecrosis is known as PerthesDisease and usually afflicts children from ages four through twelve.