Osteonecrosis is loss of blood supply to the bones. Without blood, the bone tissue dies and the bone structures collapse, resulting in pain and loss of function.
Chronic steroid use, deep sea diving, severe fracture of the shoulder, sickle cell disease and heavy alcohol use are risk factors.
A shoulder joint replacement is an effective treatment for osteonecrosis. Talk with your doctor to see if shoulder replacement is the best option for your condition.