Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of The Talus (Ankle) and Stem Cell Treatment
Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of The Talus (Ankle) and Stem Cell Treatment
Tampa, Saint Petersburg and Clearwater, FL
Avascular necrosis of the talus occurs when the ankle bone or the talus develops necrosis as the result of a disruption of the blood supply to the bone. The term avascular refers to loss of blood supply, and the term necrosis, refers to bone cell death as a result of the lost blood supply.
Other terms for avascular necrosis (AVN) include osteonecrosis, ischemic necrosis. aseptic necrosis, and bone infarction.
Trauma may result in the loss of blood supply. Fractures, and sports injuries may precipitate the development of AVN. This may be career ending in an athlete if not not properly treated. The talus is the bone responsible for ankle plantar and dorsiflexion, and also articulates with the navicular bone to form the subtalar joint, essential for inversion and eversion or side to side ankle stability. If the talus or ankle joint collapses due to the necrosis of the bone joint, secondary arthritis will be accelerated.
Osteonecrosis or AVN may also occur without trauma for unknown reasons (idiopathic), or be associated with other medical conditions as risk factors.
To prevent ankle joint replacement or fusion, especially in athletes, Stem Cell Therapy has been used. Dennis M. Lox, MD, has successfully treated athletes and non-athletes with ankle/ talus AVN with Stem Cell Therapy. The goal of utilizing stem cells with ankle and talus avascular necrosis is to attempt to restore blood flow, repair necrotic bone, and prevent secondary arthritis. Early evaluation is important. A consultation can be made with Dr. Lox to see if stem cell treatment for ankle and talus AVN is an option, and can be made easily with review of records and imaging studies that can be done for out of area patients prior to scheduling an appointment. Preventing ankle joint arthritis is extremely important for sports, and later in life for walking without pain.
Dennis M. Lox, MD, 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. Located in the 33765 and 33765 areas, our offices can be reached at (727) 462-5582 (Clearwater) and (727) 817-1909 (New Port Richey). Call to schedule your visit today.
