Silent Bone Death: Avascular Necrosis in the Diabetic Foot

This episode explains avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) — bone death from loss of blood supply — and why it’s particularly dangerous in people with diabetes. Dr. G reviews common causes, high-risk foot sites (talus, navicular, metatarsal heads), and how diabetic microvascular disease and neuropathy increase limb risk.

Key points covered include signs and how AVN differs from Charcot foot, the role of MRI for early diagnosis, staging, non‑surgical and surgical treatment options, and prevention strategies such as glycemic control, early imaging, offloading, and cautious steroid use.