Clearwater, FL - (727) 462-5582
Beverly Hills, CA - (310) 975-7033
avascular necrosis wrist

Wrist Avascular Necrosis (AVN) or Osteonecrosis

AVN Treatment Options

What is AVN?

Avascular Necrosis (AVN) is a condition in which the blood flow to a region of bone is disrupted and the bone then dies (necrosis).

There are many terms in the medical literature for AVN (synonyms).

avn wrist
  • Avascular Necrosis
  • Osteonecrosis
  • Ischemic Necrosis
  • Bone infarction

All these terms basically reflect the loss of blood flow (avascular or ischemic), and the term bone or osteo with the word necrosis, which reflects bone death.

Wrist Bones

The most commonly affected bones in the wrist with AVN are the carpal bones, the lunate, and scaphoid. The lunate is more commonly affected than the scaphoid.

Trauma is the predominate risk factor for the development of osteonecrosis in the wrist.

Risk Factors

  • Trauma
  • Idiopathic (unknown)
  • Steroids (cortisone)
  • Alcohol excess
  • Radiation
  • Disease states (Lupus, Sickle cell, Gaucher’s, Caisson’s)

Diagnosis

  • X-rays, bone scan, and MRI show characteristic findings.
  • Pain and tenderness over affected bone.

Treatment

Rest and immobilization in a cast is a mainstay of treatment. If bone and joint collapse occurs, typically surgery is recommended for a variety of procedures depending on the surgeon. Carpal resection, prosthetic joint replacement or even wrist fusion may be offered.

Stem Cell Therapy has been used successfully in many joints with ischemic necrosis. The premise is quite simply, the body tries and naturally heal AVN with stem cells. It is just a difficult task to accomplish with the loss blood supply and the bone death.

Assisting the body in the natural healing process is the aim of Regenerative Medicine. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Therapy use this principles to aid in repair and regeneration.

Athletes with AVN are in need of successful treatment to stay in their sport. Most other desire a functional wrist with quality of life.

Dennis M. Lox, M.D., serves patients in the greater Tampa Bay area, including, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa, New Port Richey, Sarasota, Orlando, and Spring Hill. He has been pleased to accommodate the needs of patients throughout Florida, the United States, the Western Hemisphere, and Europe, as well.

Our offices can be reached at (727) 462-5582 (Clearwater, FL) and (310) 975-7033 (Los Angeles, CA).

Call to schedule your visit today.

Are You Looking to Avoid Surgery?

If you haven't found joint relief should schedule a personal consultation with Dennis M. Lox, M.D., to learn if you are able to get joint relief without the need for invasive surgery.

Stem Cell Therapy in Clearwater, FL and Beverly Hills, CA

Dr. Lox treats the Tampa Bay Metro Area including Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa , Pinellas Park, Palm Harbor, Orlando and Sarasota as well as the Los Angeles Metro Area including Santa Monica and Beverly Hills.

Call our office in Clearwater, FL or Beverly Hills, CA to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Lox.

Clearwater, Florida Office

2030 Drew St.
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 462-5582

Beverly Hills, California Office

450 N Roxbury Dr. #602
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 975-7033

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*DISCLAIMER: Like all medical procedures, those performed by Dennis Lox, M.D. have a success and failure rate. Patient reviews and testimonials on this site should not be interpreted as a statement on the effectiveness of our treatments for anyone else.