Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis or AVN is a disease of the bone, where the death of a bone tissue occurs due to interruption in the blood supply.

An interruption in the blood supply leads to tiny cracks in the bone which eventually leading to its collapse. AVN can be a result of trauma or accident, prolonged usage of steroids, alcohol abuse, excessive smoking or idiopathy.

Certain medical conditions associated with AVN include consumption of bisphosphates, chemo or radiotherapy, high cholesterol & triglycerides, HIV, blood disorder.

AVN can happen to anyone irrespective of their age but is more in those belonging between the ages 30 to 50 years.

Symptoms of AVN

The most common joints affected by AVN are that of hip bone and knees, while the others could also include shoulders, wrists, ankles, hands, and feet.

No proper symptoms can be sighted in the early stages. But as the blood vessels die and the disease progresses the patient may experience:

• Joint pain
• Groin pain spreading till the knees
• Severe or mild pain around the affected area.
• Surging pain when weight is applied
• Difficulty in carrying on with daily activities

Diagnosing AVN

Early diagnosis is crucial as it helps in providing timely treatment thereby halting bone degeneration. It also plays a role in reducing the possibility of joint replacement which is the only option a patient is left with after his disease has progressed to stage IV.

Diagnosis can be done using X-rays, CT scans, MRI, Bone Scans, and functional bone tests.

Treating AVN

Medication

In the early stages of AVN, the orthopedic might prescribe certain drugs to help manage the pain.

The drugs prescribed can be:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Osteoporosis drugs help in slowing down the progress of AVN.
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Blood thinners
• Electrical stimulation helps in regenerating new bones.

Surgical Procedures

The following surgical procedures are usually suggested by the doctors for treating AVN.

• Core decompression, wherein the surgeon removes a part of the inner layer of bone reducing the pain and leading to healthy bone generation
• Bone transplant surgery
• Osteotomy or bone reshaping surgery
• Joint replacement surgery
• Regenerative medicine treatment, the use of biological therapy, PRP therapy, tissue engineering, and stem cell therapy

Bone Cell Therapy

Bone Cell Therapy consists of using the patients' own cells (autologous) as a therapeutic tool to cure AVN. Bone Cell Therapy has the potential to permanently treat Avascular Necrosis, by ceasing the disease progression & regenerating a new bone thereby restoring complete mobility.

Benefits of Bone Cell Therapy

OSSGROW® Bone Cell Therapy by Regrow Biosciences, has treated AVN in 1500+ patients enabling them to be resume their healthy & active lifestyle.