Acupuncture & AVN Hip joint Pain Osteonecrosis, or (AVN) avascular necrosis, can be defined as the ischemic death of bone and marrow elements with a potential for the development ofsubchondral fracture, joint incongruity and arthrosis. The process can be caused by a variety of factors including trauma, corticosteroid overuse, ethanol abuse or may be idiopathic. The natural history of the disease is variable but it is usually progressive and disabling, especially when associated with large and weight- bearing joints. The hip joint is one of the joints most fre quently affected by vascular necrosis. Being a weight beating joint, the potential for furtherjoint damage k even higher with the hip joint. The usual presentation in hip joint affliction is deep, localised hip pain which can radiate down to the knee. Symptoms are exacerbated with physical activity and weight-bearing and are relieved by rest. The treatment of osteonecrosis is an unsolved clinical problem so far.