Avascular necrosis (AVN), also called
osteonecrosis,
bone infarction,
aseptic necrosis, and
ischemic bone necrosis, is cellular death (
necrosis) of bone components due to interruption of the
blood supply. Without blood, the bone tissue dies and the bone collapses. If avascular necrosis involves the bones of a
joint, it often leads to destruction of the joint articular surfaces. (see
Osteochondritis dissecans).