Avascular necrosis is a condition in which the bone tissue dies due to the loss of blood to the bone. When there is no supply of blood, bone tissue dies. It commonly affects the hip joint and causes hip pain. Avascular necrosis is also termed osteonecrosis. In the case of the hip joint, disabling osteoarthritis may occur. Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis.

There may be no symptoms showing up early. Symptoms may develop slowly. Patients start experiencing joint pain when they put any weight on the joint. Later, pain arises even during resting. Pain may range from mild to severe. It may take several months for other symptoms to appear. The pain can occur in the buttock, groin, or thigh area. As the disease progresses, symptoms may become severe and pain may become constant. This pain may limit the ability of the patient to perform physical activities. Severe symptoms may include stiffness of the hip joint and development of a limp during walking. These symptoms may even disturb sleep.