How Regenerative Therapy Can Help An Athlete Diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis (AVN)

Athletes are prone to many types of injuries. Athletes are also turning towards stem cells for a variety of injury treatments. Avascular Necrosis (AVN) occurs when a region of bone dies due to lack of blood flow. This predisposes the area of necrotic bone to degenerate quickly. This can end an athletes career and has ended many players careers. The most famous case was Bo Jackson the professional football and baseball player. Bo Jackson developed hip AVN after being tackled in a football game. Many athletes are unable to return to sport after this diagnosis.

AVN and Treatment Alternatives

Stem cells may exert their effect by a variety of mechanisms. The most important factor is halting the progression to a rapid degenerating joint, however, if a reparative effect occurs naturally the more options the patient has. Children with a type of hip AVN known as Legg Catches Perthes disease may display spontaneous healing. This may be due to larger numbers of stem cells residing in young joints, however not all do heal spontaneously. Some develop significant degenerative arthritis in their twenties.

Returning to Sport After AVN Diagnosis

The ability of athletes to have an alternative treatment option such as Regenerative Medicine techniques and stem cell therapy can provide an alternative in some cases to career-ending surgery. AVN of some joints such as the hip or knee may result in recommendations for hip or knee joint replacement surgery. These surgeries are often not compatible with some sports.