Discuss femoral head avascular necrosis with Dr. Mesut Sançmış in Antalya. Understand how disease stage influences joint-preserving treatment and hip replacement decisions.
Avascular necrosis, or AVN, occurs when part of a bone loses an adequate blood supply and bone tissue dies. When it affects the femoral head, the ball at the top of the thigh bone, it is also called osteonecrosis of the hip.
The weakened bone may develop small fractures and eventually lose its rounded shape. This is known as femoral head collapse. Damage to the joint surface can then lead to painful arthritis.
Treatment aims to protect hip function, relieve symptoms and preserve the natural joint where appropriate. Detecting the condition before collapse can leave more treatment options available.
Why Does Hip Osteonecrosis Develop?
Injury-Related AVN
A hip fracture or dislocation can damage blood vessels supplying the femoral head. Osteonecrosis may develop after the initial injury, which is one reason follow-up remains important even when the joint has been treated.
Non-Traumatic Causes and Risk Factors
Risk factors include substantial corticosteroid exposure, heavy alcohol use and conditions such as sickle cell disease or lupus. Sometimes no clear cause is identified.
A risk factor does not mean that everyone exposed to it will develop AVN. Assessment considers the whole medical history, including previous treatment and relevant underlying conditions.
Do not stop prescribed steroids on your own. Any change must be discussed with the clinician managing the condition for which they were prescribed.
Symptoms of Femoral Head AVN
Early osteonecrosis can cause few or no symptoms. As it progresses, pain may develop in the groin, hip or buttock, particularly when standing or walking.
Later, discomfort can continue at rest, movement may become restricted and a limp may develop. Putting on shoes, climbing stairs or getting out of a chair can become more difficult.
These symptoms are not unique to AVN. Persistent hip pain deserves assessment, especially when there is a relevant injury or medical history, rather than being assumed to be ordinary muscle strain.
Diagnosis and Staging
Examination and Medical History
The assessment reviews symptoms, previous injuries, medications and risk factors. Examination evaluates movement, walking and the effect of hip pain on daily activity.
Both hips may need consideration because non-traumatic disease can affect both sides, even when only one is painful.
X-rays and MRI
X-rays can identify structural changes and collapse, but they may appear normal early in the disease. MRI can detect osteonecrosis before those changes become visible and show the extent of the affected area.
Additional imaging may be required when the bone surface or a possible fracture needs closer assessment.
Why the Stage Matters
Treatment depends on more than the diagnosis alone. The size and location of the damaged area, whether collapse has occurred and the condition of the joint surface all influence the recommendation.
Mild pain does not necessarily mean mild disease. The images and clinical findings must be considered together.
Treatment Before Femoral Head Collapse
Non-Surgical Management
Pain relief, activity changes and walking aids may reduce symptoms and loading through the hip. Carefully selected exercises can help maintain movement and muscle function.
These measures do not reliably reverse established bone necrosis. They may form part of monitoring or treatment planning, but symptom improvement should not replace appropriate follow-up.
Management of underlying medical conditions is also important.
Core Decompression
Core decompression creates one or more channels into the affected bone. The aim is to reduce pressure and encourage a healing response before the femoral head collapses.
It may be considered for selected early-stage cases. Results depend on the extent and position of the lesion, and the procedure does not guarantee that later hip replacement will be avoided.
Bone Grafting and Other Joint-Preserving Procedures
Some procedures combine decompression with bone grafting to support the affected region. More specialised reconstruction or realignment may be considered in selected cases.
These options require assessment of the remaining healthy bone and joint surface. They are not suitable for every stage and should not be presented as interchangeable treatments.
Treatment After Collapse or Advanced Joint Damage
When the femoral head has collapsed and the joint is painful or significantly damaged, total hip replacement may offer a more appropriate approach than attempting to preserve the affected bone.
Hip replacement removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with artificial components. It addresses the painful joint rather than restoring the dead bone through increased circulation.
The decision considers symptoms, mobility, anatomy and medical fitness. Younger age alone does not mean that a poorly functioning, severely damaged hip must be left untreated.
Recovery After AVN Treatment
After core decompression or grafting, crutches and limits on weight-bearing may be required while the bone recovers. Follow-up imaging helps determine when loading can progress.
Hip replacement follows a different rehabilitation pathway, with walking support and exercises introduced according to the surgical plan.
Returning to work and physical activity depends on the operation, healing and functional progress. Reduced pain is encouraging, but it does not confirm that all restrictions can end.
Before treatment, clarify the review schedule and how rehabilitation will continue if you live outside Turkey.
Risks and Treatment Limitations
Joint-preserving surgery may not prevent progression or collapse. Additional surgery, including hip replacement, can still become necessary.
Operative risks vary and may include infection, blood clots, fracture, nerve injury and persistent pain. Hip replacement also carries risks such as dislocation, implant wear or loosening.
No treatment can guarantee a particular implant lifespan or an unrestricted return to every activity. The expected benefit should be considered alongside the stage of disease and your own health factors.
Hip Avascular Necrosis Treatment Cost in Turkey
Costs should be based on the recommended procedure and whether one or both hips require treatment. Core decompression, grafting and hip replacement involve different surgical resources.
Request clarification of implant or graft materials, hospital care, imaging, rehabilitation and follow-up. Confirm which services are included and how additional treatment would be charged.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Dr Mesut Sançmış for his kind, caring and professional approach to my long term medical issues. He very efficiently examined, tested and diagnosed my medical issues and offered treatment of arthroscopic knee surgery for the following day.
The surgery was an absolute success with my original pain now gone and the procedure stiffness subsiding daily. I can already walk and sleep better and my quality of life is improving. The constant pain etched on my face and in my daily life has gone and I can never thank him enough. He is a true gentleman and 5 star surgeon.
Trustpilot
From the very beginning, I felt that I was in good hands with Dr. Mesut Sançmis . The consultation was clear, supportive, and reassuring, which made me feel confident about moving forward. Throughout the treatment, Dr. Mesut Sançmis showed great care and professionalism, always making sure I was comfortable and informed.
The results have exceeded my expectations — my feet not only look better, but I feel more confident and at ease in my daily life. It has truly been a positive change for me, both physically and emotionally.
I am very grateful for the expertise, kindness, and attention to detail that Dr. Mesut Sançmis provided. I would gladly recommend this clinic to anyone looking for high-quality, compassionate care.
WhatClinic
The Dr was very helpful and honest and gave me my options how to go forward. Very pleased with the support. I requested injections and the Dr recommended would not help as my condition requires surgery in the near future
Google
MSM Klinik have been excellent. From the initial consultation, through the Hospital procedure and the after care absolutely fantastic. Communication about the knee procedure and the ease of making it happen with genuine concern for your welfare and recovery. Highly recommend this great Klinic. Thanks MSM
Google
I fortunately came across Dr. Mesut while researching orthopedic surgeons in Antalya after suffering a severe heel fracture in the United States. From the beginning, I was uneasy with the treatment plan proposed by my U.S. surgeon. After more than a year of being told that it was simply a “bad break” that would take time to heal, it was finally discovered that I had also severely sprained my ankle at the time of the injury, resulting in partial ligament and tendon tears that had been missed entirely.
When these tears were eventually identified, the solution I was given was ankle fusion surgery, an option that would have permanently limited my mobility. This did not sit right with me.
While in Antalya for my spouse's dental care, I had the opportunity to consult with Dr. Mesut at MSM Klinik. His team quickly arranged comprehensive testing to fully understand what was happening with my foot. Dr. Mesut confirmed the ligament and tendon damage but was very clear that ankle fusion was not the appropriate solution for my case. Through my time there, it was clear to me that he treats a wide range of complex orthopedic conditions, not just ankle cases, which gave me even more confidence in his overall experience. From our first conversation, I felt confident in his expertise. He immediately recognized the complexity of my injury, especially given that my foot had healed incorrectly over the course of more than a year and a half.
After returning to the U.S. and doing further research, I made the decision to go back to Antalya and proceed with surgery under Dr. Mesut’s care. One of the major factors in my decision was his use of stem cell therapy, an option that was never even discussed by my doctors in the United States.
From start to finish, the level of professionalism and compassion at MSM Klinik was exceptional. Everyone in the office was attentive, organized, and supportive. Eli was especially wonderful, managing all logistics and providing clear translation throughout the entire process, which made everything seamless and stress free. During my stay, I also received IV vitamin and supportive therapies at the office designed to aid healing and speed recovery.
I am now just 2.5 weeks post surgery and already able to walk at approximately 50% weight bearing. In the U.S., I would have been non-weight bearing for at least two months before even beginning this stage. My recovery has been faster and smoother than I ever expected, and everything is healing remarkably well.
Trustpilot
Near Lara/speak English/top orthopedic
Top orthopedic. We needed a hand surgeon for our son who had an accident with a knife. Great Service via WhatsApp/speak English. Modern clinic. All innovative methods. State of art Equipment. Near hotels in Lara/Kundu. Also good for international tourists.
Google
I had a bit of a medical emergency during my trip to Antalya, and I'm so glad I found this clinic. They managed to squeeze me in right away and built a care program that worked perfectly with the rest of my stay. The doctor was wonderful, and having a translator there made the whole process stress-free. I felt truly well-cared for at every appointment!
WhatClinic
Dr Mesut and the team were exceptional and delivered excellent service. My issue was well investigated and management options/plans were provided. I am well satisfied with the service and happy with the outcome. Thank you again
Google
Service was excellent. I’m forever grateful to Surgeon Mesut Sancmis for taking care of me. I’m still recovering and have a follow up coming soon but I’m confident I will recover 100%. The whole staff was very attentive and professional. Starting with the driver he was so helpful and nice assisting me with my wheelchair. Amy who was with me throughout the whole process made sure all my needs and concerns were addressed. I didn’t feel there was a language barrier because she was there to translate and facilitate all my needs. Even after discharge Dr Mesut and Amy visit me multiple times to check on me and make sure everything was going well. I highly recommend them. Dr Mesut Sancmis is an awesome surgeon I’m glad I found him and if I ever need surgery again i will choose him, I highly recommend him. Thank you 🙏🏽
Google
My wife had a knee injection at MSM Klinik in Antalya in Turkey last year. She had been suffering from severe knee pain for several years and the injection really helped her regain mobility. So, we returned to MSM Klinik this year, where she has now had a second injection, which we expect will help her sustain her ability to walk at least another six months free of pain. My wife has been referred to NHS orthopedic specialists in the UK and is waiting for their diagnosis also. Waiting times are very long still in the UK, so the assistance provided by MSM Klinik in Turkey in the meantime has been extremely helpful.
WhatClinic
I visited Antalya in early May of 2025, while experiencing acute sciatica pain going down my left leg. I got in touch with MSM Klinik and had the exam scheduled promptly after talking over the phone with the staff. I had the X-rays and MRI done very promptly at Yasam Hastanesi Life Hospital. MSM Klinik staff, Mr. Mursel, took me to the hospital and was with me there while I was getting the x-rays and MRI done. Then he drove me back to the MSM Klinik where we reviewed the results with the Doctor. The Doctor appeared very knowledgeable and offered an effective treatment plan. However, it was beyond my budget. I continued to manage my back pain with NSAID.
I'm giving 5 starts for the service and promptness, but not for any medical procedure as no medical procedure was done.
The Doctor, his assistant Mr. Murcel, and the office staff were very kind, professional and attentive to my issue, which deserves a 5 star review.
The MRI, x-rays and the consultation were reasonably priced.
Google
I couldn't recommend this clinic more!
In addition to achieving my desired results, the clinic and doctor were constantly in touch with me (both in person and by phone) and responded quickly to any questions or concerns I had. This gave me peace of mind and made the process feel much easier, while giving me confidence in it.
Google
Challenging or mild conditions require the type of specific attention provided! Dr. Mesut Sancmis Ortopedi and his entire staff are highly knowledgeable and solution focused! It is incredible to witness the difference their patient care delivers. Do you have back pain, shoulder issues, orthopedic problems, here’s your source for these and MUCH more! Please don’t hesitate to book your 1st consultation to start on the path of healing!
Google
The staff / ladies at the clinic are very professional, friendly and cute,,,, nothing is too much trouble.
Dr Mesut is also very Professional and knowledgeable, and if his treatment works successfully, which i have no doubt about, I will return annually for check overs / mot.
If not I will return just once,,,, for a refund 😂🤣
Seriously he is very very good, i totally recommend him and his team and I have experienced hospitals / clinics all over the world due to my previous life racing Speedway,,,, tge racing was fine,,,, the crashes were the problem.
01 / 14
Ratings as shown on each platform on 15 October 2026. Reviews cover a range of treatments and are the opinions of individual patients.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Antalya
Ask the team about accommodation at Ramada Plaza Antalya and the arrangements relevant to your planned stay.CONFIRM: partnership
Ramada Plaza AntalyaPartner hotel · on the cliffs, next to the old town
~10 minto the clinic
On sitesea platform
~20 minfrom the airport
Distances are approximate.CONFIRM
Everything set up for recovery
Accessible roomSpace for crutches and a wheelchair
Yes. Early changes may not appear on X-rays. MRI can be useful when symptoms and medical history raise suspicion despite an apparently normal initial image.
Does Every Patient Need Hip Replacement?
No. Some patients can be assessed for monitoring or joint-preserving procedures. Established collapse, joint damage and disabling symptoms make replacement more likely to be considered.
Will Core Decompression Cure AVN Permanently?
It may help selected early-stage hips, but results vary. Continued monitoring is needed because the condition can progress despite treatment.
Can Exercise Restore the Blood Supply?
Exercise can support movement and muscle function, but it is not a proven way to reverse established osteonecrosis. Loading should match the condition of the bone.
Is AVN the Same as Osteoarthritis?
No. AVN begins with compromised blood supply and bone death. Osteoarthritis involves deterioration of the joint, which can develop after AVN causes structural collapse.
The information on this page has been reviewed by Dr. Sançmış. It does not replace an individual medical consultation.
Enquiry
Arrange an Assessment for Hip Osteonecrosis
Contact Dr. Sançmış's team about hip avascular necrosis treatment in Turkey. Share your diagnosis, available MRI or X-ray reports and any previous treatment.
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