Avascular Necrosis of the Hips – New Hope in Stem Cell Therapy and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Tampa, Saint Petersburg and Clearwater, Fl
Athletes who sustain trauma to their hips may develop a condition called avascular necrosis (AVN). Avascular necrosis occurs when the blood supply to the hip bone is disrupted leading the bone cells to die or become necrotic. This can obviously be career ending for an athlete. Bo Jackson, the professional football and baseball star, sustained AVN when he was tackled from behind. It was initially believed to be a minor sprain, and was not diagnosed early enough. Bo Jackson ultimately underwent a total hip replacement ending his professional football career. Since that time, regenerative medicine has emerged and now Stem Cell Therapy and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) are being used to treat avascular necrosis (AVN) in athletes with similar sporting injuries.
Dennis M. Lox, MD,, an expert in Sports and Regenerative Therapy, has treated many athletes with hip AVN, as well as other joints afflicted with AVN. Dr. Lox has successfully kept many athletes participating in their sport. AVN, is sometimes referred to as osteonecrosis, ischemic or aseptic necrosis. Though trauma is the leading cause of AVN, idiopathic or unknown causes may account for AVN as well as medical disorders. Early detection, and prevention of secondary arthritis are keys to Dennis M. Lox, MD,’s approach to management of AVN in athletes with sports injuries.