Summarize the following:
Here's the knowledge you should be armed with: Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed for relieving pain and reducing inflammation (redness, swelling, pain). Well-known NSAIDs in the pharmacies are Ibuprofen and Diclofenac salts ("Voltaren or Cataflam"); most are available in variable dosage forms. Tablets should be taken when needed (when having pain) but a usual dose of Voltaren 50 mg twice daily after meals should be enough. Osteoporosis drugs such as Alendronate ("Fosamax") helps in slowing the progression of AVN. Cholesterol drugs are used to decrease the fat concentration in the blood circulation caused by the intake of corticosteroids; this prevents blood vessel blockage that leads to AVN. Blood thinners such as Warfarin help patients with clotting disorders to prevent clot formation that can block the blood vessels. This is a process that stimulates the body to grow new bones to replace the damaged area. It's performed during surgery by being applied around the bones as electromagnetic fields, putting electricity directly to the bones or by attaching electrodes to your skin. It's not surgery per se, but it is generally used in conjunction with surgery. If surgery puts your bones in line, electrical stimulation sets the ball in motion. However, it's not right for everyone, so ask your doctor if it's a feasible option. More than 50% of patients with AVN will need a surgical treatment in about 3 years of diagnosis. Your doctor will determine which type of surgical therapy you may need. Here are the details: Core decompression. The surgeon removes parts of the bone's inner layer. The aim of this is to decrease the pressure inside, increase the blood flow, and let the extra space stimulate new healthy bone tissue production with new blood vessels. Bone transplant (graft). This is a transplantation process of a healthy bone section from another site of your body to support the affected area, usually done after a core decompression. Increasing the blood supply may be done by performing a vascular graft, including both an artery and a vein. Bone reshaping (osteotomy). This is where the surgeon removes a section of the affected bone above or below a weight bearing joint to change its shape in order to decrease the stress on it. This is effective for early stages/small areas and postpones the joint replacement. Joint replacement. In late stages, when totally collapsed or damaged and with medication failure, the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial one, usually made from plastic or metal parts. After surgery, it is absolutely imperative that your bones: A) heal, and B) heal correctly. Physical therapy (done regularly) will ensure that both of these things happen. Here's how it's beneficial: Your physical therapist will hook you up with crutches, a walker, or some device to reduce the weight the joint has to bear. This will greatly speed up the healing process. Your physical therapist will work on exercises with you to prevent joint deformity and improve your joint flexibility and mobility. Very important things!
Ask your doctor about medication. Talk to your doctor about electrical stimulation. Consider surgery. Get physical therapy and stick to it.