What is it?
Reduced blood supply damages bone and can eventually lead to joint-surface collapse. Early X-rays may be normal.
Symptoms and important signs
Deep joint pain with activity, sometimes pain at rest.
How is it assessed?
Assess risk factors; X-ray and MRI when indicated.
Care and treatment options
Treatment depends on lesion size and stage, from load modification to joint-preserving or replacement surgery.
When to seek help
Persistent unexplained joint pain warrants early assessment; no injection guarantees bone regeneration.