AVASCULAR NECROSIS (AVN) or OSTEONECROSIS AND SPORTS TRAUMA

Avascular necrosis (AVN) or Osteonecrosis is a condition in which the blood supply to the bone is disrupted leading to cellular death of a portion of the bone. The loss of blood supply is known as avascular or ischemic, while the ensuing consequences lead to loss of oxygen and nutrition to bone cells resulting in bone cell death or necrosis.

Trauma, is the leading cause of blood supply disruption. Sports and athletes may develop this. Bo Jackson, the incredible football and baseball star sustained Avascular Necrosis (AVN) after making a spectacular run and then being tackled. Initially felt to be a minor hip injury, it was later diagnosed as avascular necrosis (AVN), leading to hip joint collapse and an eventual hip joint replacement. Bo Jackson never played football again. He did have another season playing baseball in which he did well before retiring.

Many athletes and traumatically injured patients who sustain AVN, have their lives and sporting careers disrupted. Dennis M. Lox, MD, will present his experience with athletes and Avascular or osteonecrosis at the World Regenerative Medicine Conference in Lepeiz, Germany in October 2013. Dr. Lox has treated multi-sport athletes with AVN including soccer, tennis, football, basketball and runners.