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Expert Insights: Managing Avascular Necrosis with Effective Treatment
26th July 2023
Discover how to effectively manage avascular necrosis through comprehensive treatment methods and expert insights.
Avascular Necrosis (also known as Osteonecrosis) is a debilitating condition of the hip accompanied by a lot of pain. In this comprehensive article, we aim to provide valuable insights into the underlying causes, common symptoms, and their management with effective treatment.
Avascular in literal terms means lack of blood supply. AVN is a condition occurring due to a lack of blood supply to the head of the femur(in the thigh bone). This leads to the destruction and death of the bone cells. The most commonly affected area is the hip joint, although it also may affect the knee, shoulder, and ankle joints.
There could be multiple underlying causes of AVN, but it often involves factors like trauma/injury, excessive alcohol consumption, regular smoking, blood disorders like sickle cell anemia, steroids, or certain medical conditions like cancer.
Early detection of AVN is important for successful treatment outcomes. However, the symptoms can vary depending on the affected area and the extent of bone damage. Some common signs of AVN include:
Limitation of movement and stiffness in the affected joint.
Inflammation/ swelling around the joint
Severe to mild pain, which may worsen over time.
Joint Deterioration.
Tenderness of the joint.
If by any chance, you have been experiencing these symptoms, it is good to get it checked by a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip joint progresses through four distinct stages. These stages help to understand the extent of damage to the bone to determine appropriate treatment. Let us go through in brief about these stages:
Stage I- This is the early phase of AVN and there is minimal bone damage. At this stage, you may remain asymptomatic and an X-ray might appear normal, but an MRI can reveal subtle changes. There might be mild pain.
Stage II- As AVN progresses, the bone begins to break down due to a lack of blood supply. Small areas of bone fragments might be visible in the X-ray. Increased pain and discomfort might be experienced by the patient.
Stage III- Further degeneration of the bone cells takes place gradually. X-rays provide clear evidence of bone deformity, and the collapse of joint space may be reduced. It is accompanied by intense pain affecting daily activities and mobility.
Stage IV- In the final stage of AVN, bone collapse occurs extensively. This results in severe pain in the joints and functional impairment in mobility. X-ray shows significant deformity
Bone Cell Therapy is the new promising innovative treatment option for Avascular necrosis. This advanced procedure utilizes the regenerative properties of bone cells to stimulate bone regeneration and repair damaged tissue. The patient’s cells(autologous) are used. By introducing healthy bone cells into the affected area, bone cell therapy promotes the growth of new bone tissue, ceasing the progression of the disease. This restores and improves the complaints of joint stiffness, mobility, and joint pain.
The procedure involves:
Extraction of bone marrow
Culturing of Bone Cells
Implantation of Cultured Bone Cells
Bone cell therapy is much more advantageous as compared to the traditional methods of treatment options. Bone cell therapy offers targeted healing, focused on regenerating the affected bone area specifically. The procedure is minimally invasive, thereby reducing the risk of complications and allowing more time for a quick recovery. It is one of a kind of holistic approach targeting the root cause of AVN and facilitating bone regeneration, offering long-term relief.
Other benefits of opting for the treatment of Avascular Necrosis in the hip joint include a shorter stay at the hospital, a safer alternative, and a natural way to preserve the hip joint.
Things you can do before going in for treatment:
Things you can do before going in for treatment:
Collect and place your necessary previous medical records and diagnostics reports.
Current medications or supplements if taken.
Queries you have in mind regarding Bone Cell Therapy and its long-term effects.
Do not hesitate to ask your questions from your doctor.
By understanding the symptoms, seeking an early diagnosis, and exploring the available treatment options, individuals can regain control of their lives and mitigate the impact of AVN on their overall well-being. At Regrow Biosciences, we highly recommend considering bone cell therapy, an innovative and promising approach to AVN management. By harnessing the regenerative potential of stem cells, bone cell therapy offers new hope for patients, restoring joint functionality and naturally improving their quality of life.
Avascular necrosis primarily affects the hip joint but can also impact other joints like the knee, shoulder, and ankle, although it's less common.
Avascular necrosis is not typically hereditary, but certain genetic factors may increase the risk in some individuals.
The progression of avascular necrosis varies, but it can range from months to years, depending on the individual and the underlying cause.
Yes, in some cases, avascular necrosis can be asymptomatic, especially in the early stages, making it crucial to seek medical evaluation if at risk.
While prolonged steroid use is a common cause, other medications like certain chemotherapy drugs may also contribute to avascular necrosis.
Bone cell therapy offers promising results, but it may not guarantee a permanent cure. Regular follow-up and monitoring are necessary for long-term outcomes.
Age is not a strict restriction for bone cell therapy, as eligibility is determined by individual health factors and the assessment of medical professionals.
Depending on the specific case, bone cell therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments like core decompression or joint replacement surgery.
Possible complications of bone cell therapy include infection, allergic reactions, or rare instances of adverse effects from the anesthesia or the procedure itself.
As of now, bone cell therapy is primarily used as a treatment option for established avascular necrosis rather than a preventive measure for at-risk individuals.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of AVN, we encourage you to consult with a healthcare professional to explore the most suitable treatment options. Together, we can overcome the challenges of avascular necrosis and pave the way for a healthier future.