Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Marc W. Hungerford, a Leading Expert in Field of Avascular Necrosis, Now at Baltimore's Mercy Medi...(of the bone that loses circulation actua...),Health

According to Dr. Hungerford, certain bones are more susceptible to avascular necrosis. The femur or ball-and-socket joint of the hip are the most common sites for this disease, followed by the knee, the shoulder and the ankle.

"In this country, the most common causes for this condition are excessive use of alcohol and steroids, and people who have to take steroid medication for various reasons," he said. The treatment for avascular necrosis is often core decompression in the early stages to relieve the pressure in the bone.

Dr. Hungerford noted that people who have groin pain for a long period of time should check with their doctor to rule out any possibility of avascular necrosis.

Dr. Hungerford earned his medical degree at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine. He completed his 4-year orthopedic residence at Johns Hopkins University. He is a member of many medical professional societies including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the National Osteonecrosis Foundation, the Maryland Orthopedic Association and the Southern Orthopedic Association.

Dr. Hungerford has numerous clinical lectures, book chapters and presentations to his credit.

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical Center is a 135-year-old, university-affiliated hospital located at 301 St. Paul Place in downtown Baltimore. Mercy is home to the nationally acclaimed Weinberg Center for Women's Health and Medicine under the direction of renowned gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Neil B. Rosenshein. Mercy is scheduled to open the new $400+ million, 18-story, Mary Catherine Bunting Center, a state-of-the-ar
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