Patient from New York with Hip AVN states he is 100% better
A patient with hip avascular necrosis (AVN) who lives in New York, flew to see Dennis M. Lox M.D. an expert in stem cell therapy in his Tampa Bay, Florida clinic. Dr. Lox also maintains an active practice in Beverly Hills, California. The patient elected to proceed with stem cell therapy for his hip AVN after Dr. Lox explained the process, gave him a better understanding of avascular necrosis (AVN), and what to expect during the procedure.
2 Years Later…
2 years later the patient reported to Dr. Lox that he was 100% better. Not every patient will report such success, however when they do it is extremely rewarding. Patients view success on different criteria, some are not the same as the doctor’s viewpoint.
Doctor’s tend to look at clinical signs or radiographic evidence of change. However, when treating thousands of stem cell patients as an experienced expert such as Dr. Lox has done, success needs to as take into account a patients goals and expectations. Sometimes these two goals and expectations are not realistic, especially when dealing with a condition such as avascular necrosis (AVN) and stem cell treatment. AVN patients need special counseling on goals and expectations due to variabilities in age, the extent of AVN involvement, whether there are multiple joints involved, and if a return to sport is an issue.
Avascular necrosis (AVN)
Avascular necrosis occurs when blood flow becomes impaired to a region of bone resulting in bone cell death from the lack of blood flow. This necrotic bone region can be small or large and may occur in multiple joints. The hip joint is the most commonly affected joint with AVN, therefore stem cells for hips are the most common site treated.
AVN of both hips is the most common presentation of multiple joint involvements, yet it may also present in a hip and a knee. Dr. Lox has seen practically all types of patterns that occur. AVN of both hips, both knees, and both ankles were seen in one of Dr. Lox’s patients.
Causes of AVN
Preceding trauma is the most frequent presentation of avascular necrosis. There are times where the trauma is not thought of as that significant as pain is part of the trauma. When pain persists beyond a reasonable time period or is out of proportion to the degree of injury, the diagnosis of AVN or osteonecrosis should be considered.
Idiopathic or osteonecrosis (AVN) of unknown etiology is second to trauma in underlying causation. In some cases, AVN is not caused by a specific process but has associated risk factors which include excessive corticosteroid (cortisone) and alcohol use. It is not clear why some individuals who have excessive cortisone or alcohol intake develop osteonecrosis or AVN and others do not. There are many other associated risk factors involved with AVN.
Due to the complexity of AVN and the management with stem cell therapy, it is important to consult with an expert such as Dennis M. Lox, MD,. Athletes, in particular, have unique needs. Dennis M. Lox M.D. specializes in Sports and Regenerative Medicine with stem cell therapy.
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Tampa Bay, Florida (727) 462-5582
Beverly Hills, California (310) 975-7033