Nick DeFrancesco
Dennis M. Lox, MD, discuses an interesting success in a New Jersey Wrestler Nick DeFrancesco with Hip AVN, treated with Stem Cells 2 Years Later.
As a 14 year old wrestler Nick DeFrancesco was diagnosed with avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip after an wrestling injury. The same diagnosis the legendary professional Football and Baseball player Bo Jackson received after a spectacular run in which Jackson hurt his hip. Like Nick, Bo Jackson didn’t immediately get the diagnosis of avascular necrosis (AVN). Avascular necrosis (AVN) may have multiple causative factors. In Nick and Jackson’s case trauma was associated.
Avascular necrosis is a condition in which a portion of bone dies due to disruption of blood flow. The loss of blood flow, known as ischemia is the same as occurs in a heart attack, only instead of loss of cardiac muscle cells, bone cells are destroyed.
Bo Jackson was not initially diagnosed with hip AVN, neither was Nick.
The difference was advancement in medicine. Some are still unaware that stem cell science is active and available for sports medicine and orthopedic applications.
The violent nature of professional football is fraught with injuries and pain. AVN is relatively rare. It was not until Bo Jackson presented to baseball training camp that at team doctor noticed his limp and an x-ray confirmed advanced avascular necrosis of his hip with joint collapse.
This led to Jackson undergoing total hip replacement surgery. Bo Jackson played one more year of professional baseball, however Jackson never returned to professional Football after his hip replacement surgery.
Nick a 14 year old wrestler was on crutches for months due to his hip pain. His Orthopedic physicians recommended a total hip replacement surgery, due to his pain and loss of activity level.
Fortunately, Nick had a mom that cared about her sons life, not just today but his future.
She read and researched. Her short list of stem cell/regenerative medicine specialists led her to Dennis M. Lox, M.D., a Tampa Bay, Florida and Beverly Hills, California expert not just in stem cells, but in the use of stem cells in athletes with avascular necrosis (AVN).
Dr. Lox has received international notoriety in helping AVN athletes remain in their sport or stay active.
Dr. Lox took an keen interest in Nick, as Dr. Lox was a wrestler to the collegiate level.
Dr. Lox felt stem cells were a viable option for Nick, and to prevent him from having hip replacement surgery at the age of 14. After receiving stem cell therapy with Dr. Lox, Nick soon began walking without crutches. Having been a wrestler Dr. Lox discuses the pros and cons of returning to wrestling with hip AVN. Nick choose a healthy lifestyle and diet that most would never dream of for a teenager, nor any age group.
Nick is now a high school senior, graduating a year early.
For Dennis M. Lox, M.D., Nick is a crowning success story. Even April, Nick’s protective mother who found Dr. Lox is happy. Nick is a rare combination of tenacity, drive, and the desire to be a champion. He found his own mark on championship caliber play. Success is success.
A 2019 Update from Nick’s Mom, April DeFrancesco
Dr. Lox constantly receives feedback and updates from his patients. Nick Defrancesco’s mother, April, recently reached out with the following update:
Hi Dr Lox,
This is April DeFrancesco (Nicky’s mom). He just moved to Washington State to study at Bastyr University to finish his Bachelors degree in nutrition/culinary! He’s considering a masters in acupuncture.
I just want to tell you how grateful we are… You saved my son’s hip at 14! He is now 19 (skipped a year of high school) entering his Junior year of college. He is an amazing vegan cook and developed this body through calisthenics… If you want to see what he’s been doing… His Instagram is nickdefran23.
You will truly be amazed!
Again, I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful work you do ❤️
With infinite love and gratitude,
April DeFrancesco
