Ankle AVN Stem Cell Injections For Sports Injuries

Dennis M. Lox, MD, a Sports and Regenerative Medicine specialist has treated athletes with ankle avascular necrosis (AVN) from a variety of different sports.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) can occur following trauma in sports injuries. AVN occurs when the blood supply to a region of bone is disrupted which leads to an area of bone cell death or necrosis. AVN is significant in that the area of necrosis can collapse resulting in a rapid secondary degenerative arthritis. This joint destruction often leads to recommendations for ankle fusion or joint replacement.

Ankle replacement is not as successful as hip or knee joint replacement, and therefore carries more risk for failure. Stem cell therapy for ankle AVN has been used for treating sports injuries. Dr. Lox has treated diverse sports AVN injuries including, ballerinas and soccer players. A ballerina must have ankle mobility. Ankle joint fusion in a ballerina is career ending. Soccer also requires great mobility of the foot and ankle.

When avascular necrosis occurs in the ankle of a soccer player the injury is also career threatening. Stem cell treatments for athletes with avascular necrosis (AVN) may be a viable option to treat these athletes. Alternatives to surgery are often desired in athletes with sports injuries, as long-term consequences to surgery are becoming more apparent. Dr. Lox is an expert in the evaluation of AVN for athletes and the use of stem cell therapy.