Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis) of the Knee Treated with Stem Cell Therapy
Avascular Necrosis (AVN) also called osteonecrosis occurs most frequently in the hip, followed by the knee in the lower extremity. Stem Cell Therapy has been used for the treatment of avascular necrosis (AVN) or osteonecrosis, including the knee.
The basis for stem cell treatment with AVN is multi-fold. This will be further discussed.
Avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis is a condition in which a disruption of normal blood flow surrounding a region of bone occurs. This leads to bone cell death (necrosis) in that region.
Knee AVN may involve the femur, tibia or both. If the area of necrosis collapses, then a rapid secondary joint degenerative arthritis develops. This often leads to the recommendation of total knee replacement.
Stem cells have been advocated for the treatment of knee AVN as knee replacement surgery in younger patients or athletes is particularly significant. Older patients with health concerns also may be viewed as candidates for knee stem cell treatments.
Younger patients are affected most by the duration that a joint implant prosthesis remains durable. If the prosthetic implant does not last the prospect of knee fusion at some point becomes ominous. Athletes with knee replacement surgery also may never return to their chosen sport. This makes conservative options like stem cell treatments more appealing.