Idiopathic Osteonecrosis (AVN) of the Scaphoid
Tampa, Saint Petersburg and Clearwater, FL
Osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis (AVN) is a condition that results when the blood supply to the bone is disrupted and cellular death occurs to the bone. The bone in the wrist that it commonly occurs to is called the Scaphoid. Trauma is a frequent precipitating event that impairs the blood supply, however there are unexplained cases known as idiopathic osteonecrosis or Avascular necrosis (AVN) that there is no readily explained explanation. This may occur for many different joints. The hip, knee, shoulder and ankle may also get unexplained or idiopathic AVN. It is also sometimes referred to as aseptic necrosis or ischemic necrosis.
Treatment in the past has focused on surgical options, including fusion or joint replacement. Now Regenerative Medicine treatments such Stem Cell Therapy and Platelet Rich Plasma offer hope to repair the damage of osteonecrosis or AVN without deleting to surgery. Stem Cell Therapy uses the patients own stem cells to attempt to heal the injured area of osteonecrosis. Stem cells can differentiate into new bone cells and create a healing response. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is often used with stem cell treatments to facilitate the repair process. Athletes and non-athletes alike have been successfully treated with PRP and Stem Cell Therapy for osteonecrosis or AVN, and Dr. Lox has extensive experience in treating this condition.
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.
