What is a common association with hip avascular necrosis?

Avascular necrosis of the hip, also known as osteonecrosis, is a condition where blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, leading to bone death and potential joint collapse. This condition is commonly associated with several risk factors, among which alcoholism stands out due to its significant impact on blood supply and bone health.

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to fatty infiltration of the bone marrow, which can impede vascular supply. Chronic alcoholism is also known to be associated with poor nutrition and the potential for liver disease, both of which can further compromise bone integrity and promote conditions favorable to avascular necrosis. Consequently, the recognition of alcoholism as a major risk factor for avascular necrosis is well-supported by clinical data.

While obesity, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis contribute to various orthopedic conditions, they may not be as directly linked to the specific mechanism of avascular necrosis in the way that alcoholism is. Obesity can increase joint stress but is not a primary cause of impaired blood flow. Diabetes can affect healing and vascular health over time but is not as strong a direct association with avascular necrosis. Osteoporosis affects bone density but not necessarily the blood supply to the femoral head as seen in avascular necrosis. Therefore, alcoholism stands