Understanding Avascular Necrosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What is Avascular necrosis?

Avascular necrosis (AVN), also known as osteonecrosis, is a progressive condition caused by the interrupted blood supply to the bones, leading to the death of bone tissue. This results in pain, limited mobility, and eventual joint collapse if left untreated. While AVN can affect any joint, it most commonly targets the hip, known as osteonecrosis hip or hip necrosis. Other affected joints include the knees, shoulders, and ankles.  

At Regencare, we focus on non-surgical, regenerative solutions for AVN, offering cutting-edge treatments designed to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore quality of life.

Can AVN Be Cured Without Surgery?

Non-Surgical Solutions for Avascular Necrosis: What Are Your Options?

While surgery is often a solution for advanced AVN, Regencare specializes in avascular necrosis treatment without surgery. Our innovative regenerative therapies provide an effective cure for AVN in its early and intermediate stages:

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
• GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate)
• BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate)
• Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS)
• Autologous Cultured Osteoblast Treatment
• SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction)

The major benefits of regenerative cell treatments are as follows:

• Reduces inflammation in affected joints.
  • Promotes natural tissue regeneration and healing.
  • Minimally invasive, ensuring faster recovery.
  • Speeds up bone healing and tissue repair.
  • Restores joint functionality and reduces pain.
  • Delivers targeted, concentrated growth factors to damaged areas.
  • Enhances joint health by addressing root causes of bone degeneration.
  • Provides long-term improvement in joint mobility and pain relief.

The best treatment for Avascular necrosis (AVN) treatment requires a customized approach, dependent on the patient’s condition and severity. Our specialist will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the most effective treatment strategy. To receive a comprehensive diagnosis and expert care, contact us to schedule an appointment.

Why Does AVN Happen? Exploring the Causes of Avascular Necrosis

Understanding AVN causes is key to prevention and early detection. Common reasons for AVN include:

• Trauma: Fractures or dislocations disrupting blood flow to the bone.
• Medical Conditions: Diseases like osteoporosis, diabetes, and lupus increase AVN risk.
• Lifestyle Factors: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking impair bone health.
• Medical Treatments: Radiation therapy and prolonged use of corticosteroids can lead to hip problems and AVN.
• Blood Disorders: Conditions like sickle cell anemia interfere with bone blood supply.
• Covid 19: This is considered as a long-term complication of Covid 19

Recognizing the Symptoms: Is Your Joint Pain Due to AVN?

Early identification of AVN symptoms can prevent severe joint damage. Common signs include:

• Pain and Stiffness: Persistent pain in the hip, knee, or shoulder that worsens with activity.
• Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the affected joint.
• Pain radiating to the groin or thigh.

Stages of Avascular Necrosis

• Stage 1: Early signs of hip pain appear, and X-rays may reveal initial indications of necrosis. This stage is marked by sclerosis in the superior central region of the femoral head, along with possible osteopenia or the presence of subchondral cysts.
• Stage 2: Bone death becomes visible on X-rays, but the femoral head remains structurally intact. At this point, the articular surface starts to flatten slightly, disrupting its natural round shape. This results in joint space narrowing, though significant deformity has not yet occurred.
• Stage 3: X-rays clearly show bone death, along with femoral head collapse. Cartilage damage and osteoarthritic changes become evident. This stage is characterized by a substantial collapse of the subchondral bone, leading to deterioration of the underlying trabecular structure. Over time, this can progress to secondary arthritis.
• Stage 4: The femoral head collapses entirely, leading to severe osteoarthritis. At this advanced stage, both the femoral and acetabular surfaces are compromised, causing significant joint dysfunction and loss of mobility.

Stage-Specific Treatments for Avascular Necrosis: From Early to Advanced Stages

Avascular Necrosis (AVN) treatment varies depending on the stage of the condition, with regenerative cell therapy playing a crucial role in early intervention. In the initial stages, stem cell therapy is commonly used to promote bone regeneration and prevent further deterioration. Other advanced treatments, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC), Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC), Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS), Autologous Cultured Osteoblast Treatment, and Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF), are administered after a thorough diagnosis to determine the most suitable approach for each patient.

As the condition progresses and becomes more severe, vascularized bone grafting with stem cell therapy and other advanced procedures are performed to restore bone function and structure. For patients in later stages who require additional intervention, surgical treatments are also available. Our specialized team ensures that every patient receives the most effective treatment based on their specific condition and stage of AVN.

Why Regenerative Medicine Is Revolutionizing AVN Care?

Regencare leads the way in avascular necrosis therapies, offering a non-surgical approach to treat and manage AVN effectively. Our necrosis treatments focus on:

• Tissue Regeneration: Stimulating the body’s healing response.
• Pain Reduction: Targeting inflammation and improving joint health.
• Slowing Progression: Addressing the root cause to delay or avoid surgery.

When Surgery Is Necessary: Exploring Surgical Treatments for AVN

In advanced stages of avascular necrosis, surgical intervention may become necessary to restore joint function and alleviate pain. Common surgical options include:

1. Core Decompression with Stem Cell Augmentation

Core decompression is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing a small portion of the inner bone to relieve pressure and enhance blood flow to the affected area. This technique is particularly effective in the early stages of Avascular Necrosis (AVN), helping to slow disease progression and preserve joint function.

To further enhance the regenerative potential of this procedure, stem cell augmentation is incorporated. By injecting Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) or other stem cell-based therapies into the decompressed area, this advanced approach stimulates bone repair, promotes tissue regeneration, and enhances long-term healing outcomes.

Benefits: Reduces pain, improves blood circulation, enhances bone healing, and delays joint deterioration.

Patients in the early to mid-stages of AVN, particularly those seeking to avoid or delay the need for more invasive surgical interventions.

This advanced treatment approach combines biological healing with surgical precision, offering a highly effective solution for managing AVN in its early stages.

2. Bone Grafting: Healthy bone tissue from another part of the body is transplanted to the affected area to support and rebuild the damaged joint.
   • Benefits: Provides structural stability and promotes bone regeneration.
   • Ideal For: Cases where significant bone loss has occurred.
3. Osteotomy: The bone is reshaped to reduce stress on the affected joint, slowing disease progression and relieving pain.
   • Benefits: Preserves the natural joint and delays the need for replacement.
   • Ideal For: Patients with localized joint damage.
4. Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): In severe cases where the joint is irreparably damaged, the affected joint is replaced with a prosthetic one.
   • Benefits: Restores mobility, eliminates pain and improves quality of life.
   • Ideal For: Advanced-stage AVN with complete joint collapse.
5. Vascularized Bone Graft: This complex procedure uses a bone graft with its blood supply to repair the damaged area.
   • Benefits: Enhances blood flow and encourages healing in severely affected joints.
   • Ideal For: Advanced cases with limited blood supply.

While surgery is effective for advanced AVN, Regencare emphasizes early intervention through regenerative therapies to reduce the need for invasive procedures. Our team provides comprehensive pre- and post-surgical care to optimize recovery and ensure the best outcomes.

Managing Life with AVN: Tips for Pain Relief and Improved Mobility

Living with AVN can be challenging, but effective management strategies include:

• AVN Pain Management: Regenerative treatments and physical therapy to relieve discomfort.
• Supplements for Avascular Necrosis: Calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.
• Living with Avascular Necrosis: Adopting a healthy lifestyle and avoiding activities that strain affected joints.

Why Regencare Is the Best Choice for Avascular Necrosis Care

Regencare stands apart in providing the AVN best treatment with:

1. Expertise: Specialists with vast experience in treating AVN.
2. Advanced Therapies: Cutting-edge regenerative treatments like PRP, GFC, BMAC, and ACS, SVF.
3. Personalized Care: Tailored treatment plans based on individual needs.
4. Non-Surgical Options: Focusing on innovative therapies to reduce reliance on surgery.