core decompression

therapeutics

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Last updated

July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

Core decompression is a therapeutic surgical procedure used to treat avascular necrosis, a condition where bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. This procedure involves relieving pressure within the bone. It was initially used for diagnostic purposes, such as measuring bone marrow pressure and collecting biopsy samples, but doctors observed that patients experienced pain relief after the procedure, leading to its use as a treatment. Core decompression is considered a joint-sparing technique and has been used to treat avascular necrosis, particularly in the femoral head, aiming to redistribute weight-bearing forces to healthier bone and cartilage.1

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avascular necrosis
Treatment
Core decompression for avascular necrosis was initially used as a diagnostic tool to measure bone marrow pressure and to collect bone marrow biopsy specimens. Doctors began to notice that patients experienced symptomatic pain relief after the diagnostic procedure and began to use it as a…
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Core decompression for avascular necrosis was initially used as a diagnostic tool to measure bone marrow pressure and to collect bone marrow biopsy specimens. Doctors began to notice that patients experienced symptomatic pain relief after the diagnostic procedure and began to use it as a…
Read More