Different Treatment Options After an AVN Diagnosis
What is Avascular Necrosis?
Stem cell treatment for avascular necrosis (AVN), often referred to as osteonecrosis has been used as an alternative to surgery in cases. There are many names for AVN. Buchman disease, Dias disease, Dietrich disease, Kienbock disease, etc… There are so many different names for the disease, but they all have the same meaning. Avascular Necrosis. Avascular means lack of blood supply, Necrosis means ‘the death of most or all of the cells in an organ or tissue due to disease, injury, or failure of the blood supply’.
After being diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis, or maybe your Physician referred to it as another name, you may now be searching the internet looking for different options.
Microfracture or Core Decompression for AVN
There have been many clinical studies and treatments for this diagnosis. Microfracture or core decompression has been used for years. This surgical technique involves drilling multiple holes into the bone which releases bone marrow into the area. The outcome is not always good. This has several disadvantages. First and foremost, it is very painful and a more difficult recovery. It is often referred to as a “poor mans stem cell”.
Joint Replacement
Many times, when a patient is diagnosed with AVN, the first recommendation given to them by an Orthopedic is joint replacement. Having a joint replacement has many risks and cons. If the patient is an athlete, they may not be able to return to sport after surgery. This could end their career. Age, weight, health and lifestyle affects this decision and can sometimes prevent a patient from proceeding with the option of surgery. Many patients hear about Regenerative Therapy or Stem Cell Therapy as an alternative to joint replacement and consult with Dr. Lox as a treatment for their AVN diagnosis.
Stem Cell Therapy for AVN
Dr. Lox is an expert in Sports and Regenerative Medicine and has been using Stem Cell Therapy for the treatment of AVN for many years. Dr. Lox has treated various joints from the shoulder, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle in both athletes and average individuals who develop AVN from many different causes. Stem Cell Therapy may not be successful in every case of AVN but remains a viable alternative to surgery in many cases. Every patient is different. Consulting an expert such as Dennis Lox, M.D is very important in deciding which route to take after being diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis.
