Question
Dear Rusty,

I have been diagnoised with Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee.  The MRI did not show any fractures only edema
in the bone marrow (medial).  I have been told that this will heel on its own and no treatment has been offered to
me.  Do I need treatment or is there any treatment for it.
Please advise me.  thank you, Elaine

Answer
Elaine,

The only viable treatment of osteonecrosis is surgery. Osteonecrosis means death of the bone. This is a condition where a portion of the bone is not getting enough blood and is dying. I am not aware that this ever heals on its own.

Bone marrow edema (swelling) does not mean that you have osteonecrosis. There are several conditions that can cause this.

I think it would be advisable to get a second opinion. If your doctor who diagnosed the condition is not a specialist then ask for a referral.

I wish I could be of more help. Here is a link with some information about osteonecrosis.

http://arthritis-symptom.com/Osteonecrosis-symptoms/index.htm

Rusty