Wrist Avascular Necrosis (AVN) or Osteonecrosis
What is AVN?
Avascular Necrosis (AVN) is a condition in which the blood flow to a region of bone is disrupted and the bone then dies (necrosis).
There are many terms in the medical literature for AVN (synonyms).
- Avascular Necrosis
- Osteonecrosis
- Ischemic Necrosis
- Bone infarction
All these terms basically reflect the loss of blood flow (avascular or ischemic), and the term bone or osteo with the word necrosis, which reflects bone death.
Wrist Bones
The most commonly affected bones in the wrist with AVN are the carpal bones, the lunate, and scaphoid. The lunate is more commonly affected than the scaphoid.
Trauma is the predominate risk factor for the development of osteonecrosis in the wrist.
Risk Factors
- Trauma
- Idiopathic (unknown)
- Steroids (cortisone)
- Alcohol excess
- Radiation
- Disease states (Lupus, Sickle cell, Gaucher’s, Caisson’s)
Diagnosis
- X-rays, bone scan, and MRI show characteristic findings.
- Pain and tenderness over affected bone.
Treatment
Rest and immobilization in a cast is a mainstay of treatment. If bone and joint collapse occurs, typically surgery is recommended for a variety of procedures depending on the surgeon. Carpal resection, prosthetic joint replacement or even wrist fusion may be offered.
Stem Cell Therapy has been used successfully in many joints with ischemic necrosis. The premise is quite simply, the body tries and naturally heal AVN with stem cells. It is just a difficult task to accomplish with the loss blood supply and the bone death.
Assisting the body in the natural healing process is the aim of Regenerative Medicine. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Therapy use this principles to aid in repair and regeneration.
Athletes with AVN are in need of successful treatment to stay in their sport. Most other desire a functional wrist with quality of life.
Dennis M. Lox, M.D., 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.
Our offices can be reached at (727) 462-5582 (Clearwater, FL) and (310) 975-7033 (Los Angeles, CA).
Call to schedule your visit today.
