Welcome to Avascular necrosis and related
disorders! Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a common disorder
that clinicians must be aware of due to its prevalence and
the fact that if treated early, the prognosis is quite favorable.
Another reason for becoming familiar with avascular necrosis
is that there are many entities that mimic its appearance.
Avascular necrosis and entities that appear similar on a radiograph
are sometimes grouped under the broad heading of OSTEOCHONDROSIS.
You will learn that there are three main headings
that fall within the realm of osteochondrosis...
3 CATEGORIES OF OSTEOCHONDROSES
1) TRUE OSTEONECROSIS
2) NORMAL VARIATION
3) TRAUMA/STRESS RELATED
These different categories are then broken down into specific
body areas correlated with radiographical findings and pertinent
clinical information.
Definitions, pathogenesis with radiographical correlation,
and etiology will also be discussed. These are included not
to put you to sleep before you hardly get started, but to
aid in the overall understanding of osteochondrosis that will
help you in delivering the best care to your patients.
OBJECTIVES
To be able to understand the concept and categories of osteochondroses.
To be able to tell the difference radiographically between normal variation and true osteonecrosis.
To understand the most appropriate imaging of different osteochondroses.
Regarding "navigation" through this
site, we have made every attempt to make it as user-friendly
as possible. On the left hand side of each page, you will
see the outline for the course, and you may go directly to
a certain portion if you wish. Otherwise, to go straight through
the course, by clicking on the "next" button at
the bottom of each page to go to the subsequent page until
you reach the self assessment at the end of the course. There
you will be tested with a series of multiple choice questions.
Lastly, we have attempted to "liven"
up the site with randomly intermixed audio clips to be found
on the full size images of the thumbnails found within the
text. These audio clips will further describe the radiographical
findings and/or add background information about specific
cases. Therefore, keep your eye out for messages guiding you
to those clips.
Click
below for the first one!
At the end of this course you
will not receive a Certificate of Completion on-line, but
a Transcript will be mailed to you from the Continuing Education
Department within the week you complete the course.
