Avascular Necrosis of the Hip
Dennis M. Lox, MD, a stem cell expert has been treating Avascular Necrosis (AVN) for many years with stem cell therapy. Dr. Lox has seen nearly every type of AVN, in different joints and with different underlying causes. Preventing joint replacement is a desirable goal in many sports and Dr. Lox has treated many athletes with stem cell therapy for Avascular Necrosis.
The most common cause of AVN of the hip is trauma. Medical disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus have been associated with Avascular Necrosis. A common treatment for these autoimmune disorders is corticosteroids (cortisone), which has been associated with an increased frequency of AVN.
Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the Hip Causes
Avascular Necrosis, also known as osteonecrosis or ischemic necrosis occurs when the blood supply to a region of bone is disrupted. This eventually leads to bone cell death or necrosis. Again the most common joint affected is the hip.dr. Lox has seen numerous cases where both hips had AVN. The problem with Avascular Necrosis is when the bone that dies secondary joint destruction may follow. If prevention of progressive joint destruction occurs surgery may not be necessary. This scenario is often can be devastating to an athlete and end their sporting career.
Stem Cells
Stem Cell Therapy with concentrated cells may have several types of cells, including mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, muse cells, endothelial progenitor cells, other progenitor cells, pericytes, and various blood cells. This stem cell concentrate is more effective at creating new blood vessels and forming new bone cells.
Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the Femoral Head (Hip)
Stem cell treatments for avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip are not new, just newer applications. AVN of the femoral head is the most frequent location, and the hip is the most common joint affected by avascular necrosis (AVN). Stem Cell Therapy has been applied alone, or in combination with a less effective form of transferring stem cells via core decompression.
The femoral head is the top portion of the femur which together with the acetabulum creates the hip joint. The hip is basically a ball and socket type joint. If the femoral head becomes necrotic in AVN, then the femoral head may collapse, which can result in a rapid secondary degenerative arthritis. Stem cells may be used as alternative strategies to hip joint replacement, or to possible delay hip replacement until a more remote future date. This scenario is important in younger patients and athletes, who wish to continue with their chosen sport.
AVN Presentation
Not all cases of hip AVN are the same. Trauma induced AVN of the hip is not the same as excessive corticosteroid induced AVN. The presentation may be a single, both, or multi-joint such as a hip and a knee or hip, knee, ankle. A bilateral presentation can always occur in multi-joint AVN.
Due to different presentations of AVN, different causes, and inter-patient variability the treatment of AVN is not uniform for each patient. In fact, each patient should have a specific treatment plan developed for their own particular needs, goals, and desires.
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