Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip, also known as osteonecrosis, is a condition that occurs when the blood supply to the hip joint is disrupted, causing bone tissue death. Symptoms include: Pain in the hip, groin, thigh, knee, and or buttocks Pain that worsens over time Limited range of motion in the hip Swelling around the hip A grating or cracking sensation when moving the hip AVN can occur in people of any age, but is most commonly diagnosed in people between ages 30 and 65. It's more commonly seen in males compared to females. Treatment options for AVN include: Physical therapy This can include decreasing weight bearing, range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, endurance training, and coordination training. Surgery If the affected bone has collapsed or other treatments aren't helping, surgery can replace the damaged parts of the joint with plastic or metal parts. Regenerative medicine treatment This procedure involves removing a sample of dead hipbone and inserting stem cells taken from bone marrow in its place. In the early stages, bone scintigraphy and MRI are the preferred diagnostic tools.