The Best Guide to Cartilage Repair And Regeneration (AVN)

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What is avascular necrosis in the hip and knee?

Avascular necrosis in the hip and knee is a debilitating condition. Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a progressive bone condition caused by a lack of blood supply to the bone tissue. It causes the death of bone cells. Like the heart, if the blood supply to the bone of the hip joint gets damaged, it can lead to a complete collapse of the hip joint. Doctors refer to it as avascular necrosis. 

We know blood vessels supply oxygen and nutrition to the bone, and when this function is improper, a person can face conditions like avascular necrosis (AVN). 

Doctors refer to avascular necrosis as 

1. Aseptic necrosis, 
2. Avascular necrosis of bone, 
3. Ischemic necrosis of bone.

Excessive use of alcohol and high-dose steroids causes avascular necrosis (AVN). However, avascular necrosis may also occur for no apparent reason, and the femur is the vital bone affected.

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Remember, Avascular necrosis in the hip and knee is a condition where the bone tissue in these joints dies due to a lack of blood supply. This condition can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited movement in the affected joint. It typically occurs when the blood flow to the bone is disrupted, often due to injury, excessive alcohol consumption, or certain medical conditions like sickle cell disease or steroid use. Without adequate blood supply, the bone tissue deteriorates, leading to avascular necrosis. Treatment options may include medication, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

What is Avascular Necrosis and Bone Degeneration?

Avascular necrosis (AVN), also known as Osteonecrosis, is the death of bone tissue because of a lack of blood supply. Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a progressive disease that restricts mobility and collapses the affected joint as it advances. AVN affects the knee, shoulder, ankle, and other regions, resulting in a debilitating condition. However, AVN affects the hip joint of young adults 20-45 years.

What are the Stages of the Progress of AVN? 

• The early stages of AVN are I and II, the symptoms beginning in stage II. Your doctor will identify it early, as AVN spreads quickly.
• In late-stage III and IV, significant bone fractures and cartilage damage render the joint non-functional. To replace the stage IV AVN joint, your surgeon may perform total hip replacement surgery. 

What are the Symptoms of AVN?

If you have Avascular Necrosis (AVN), you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pain in your hips, knees, and groin.
• The most common symptom of AVN is pain when you put weight on your hip.
• When you put weight on the affected joint, you will experience pain.
• When lying down, pain and limited movement occur in the affected joint.
• Limp walking (a sluggish and awkward walking style triggered by a leg or foot injury).

What is the Best Treatment for Avascular Necrosis (AVN)?

• Bone cell therapy entails using the day-patient cells (extracted from the patient) as a therapeutic tool to treat AVN.
• Bone cell therapy is a long-term treatment for avascular necrosis that slows the advancement of the disease and restores movement.

What is the Treatment Procedure for Bone Cell Therapy?

There are three steps to bone cell therapy.

• Extraction of bone marrow.
• Your surgeons will isolate and culture all healthy bone cells (osteoblasts) in the laboratory.
• Your doctor implants cultured bone cells.

What are the Advantages of Bone Cell Therapy for AVN?

• AVN is a natural treatment as it uses the day patient cells.
• The patient can resume an active, pain-free, and routine life.
• AVN eliminates the need for Invasive Total Hip Replacement Surgery.

What are the Causes of Avascular Necrosis (AVN)?

• Excessive steroid use, alcohol consumption, and smoking. 
• Accidental or life-threatening illness.
• Obesity and sedentary tendencies.
• Chemotherapy treatment for idiopathic (of unknown origin) diseases. 

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What are the Potential Complications of AVN? 

Subchondral necrosis, subchondral fracture, bone collapse, articular surface deformity, and osteoarthritis are all symptoms of AVN. Sclerosis and joint destruction may occur in later stages. Potential complications include fractured nonunion and secondary muscle waste.

During cartilage injuries, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms: 

• Joint pain, both at rest and when applying weight to the affected joint.
• Swelling near the injured joint.
• Stiffness of the joints.
• Sense of clicking or grinding.
• Joint catching or locking.

How to Cure Cartilage Injury with Cartilage Cell Therapy?

Cartilage damage is a common occurrence. The knees, as well as the hips, ankles, and elbows, are affected. Cartilage is a tough, flexible tissue found throughout the body. Cartilage lacks a blood supply and, unlike a skin injury, does not heal alone. 

As a result, cartilage damage requires surgical intervention. Cartilage cell therapy is a treatment that involves using the patient cells (autologous) as a therapeutic tool to treat cartilage damage and osteochondral defects.

What is Cartilage Cell Damage Treatment?

• Doctors extract healthy cartilage from the patient.
• Cultured cartilage cells (chondrocytes) expand in the laboratory.
• Doctor implants cultured chondrocytes in the cartilage damage area.

When Should You See a Doctor if You Have Avascular Necrosis?

If you have persistent pain in any joint, please see your doctor. If you believe you have a broken bone or a dislocated spot, minor fractures, sluggishness or a limping walk, excessive weight gain or loss, or poor oxygen levels in the body, seek medical attention now.

FAQs:

Can we repair cartilage without surgery?

While cartilage does not regrow or replace itself, a few different treatment options can repair or supplant it. Physiotherapists can perform many cartilage injuries without surgery via physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. 

What happens if I do not treat my avascular necrosis?

If untreated, AVN can progress to painful osteoarthritis. Avascular necrosis can cause the collapse of a bone segment in severe cases. Avascular necrosis may cause the joint surface to collapse if it occurs near a joint.

How does avascular necrosis affect the prognosis?

Within three years of diagnosis, more than half of the patients with AVN require surgical treatment.

Conclusion:

Bone cell therapy is a long-term treatment for avascular necrosis that slows the progression of the disease and restores mobility. 

There are three steps to bone cell therapy.

• Extraction of bone marrow
• Your surgeons will isolate and culture all healthy bone cells (osteoblasts) in the laboratory.
• Your surgeons will insert cultured bone cells.

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Here are the hidden facts about avascular necrosis (AVN) in the hip and knee:

• Silent Threat of AVN: AVN can progress silently for a short time without noticeable symptoms, masking its presence and delaying detection. This delay in diagnosis and treatment can worsen joint damage and complications.
• Beyond Injury: While injury can disrupt blood flow and cause AVN, other hidden factors like excessive steroid use, certain medical conditions, and even alcoholism can contribute.
• Not Age Specific: Although more common in adults between 30-50, AVN can affect people of all ages, including children.
• Early Detection is Key: Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to preserve joint function. Regular checkups and awareness of risk factors are vitals.
• Treatment Options Exist: While there's no cure for AVN, treatment options like medications, physical therapy, and surgery can slow down joint degeneration and improve mobility.
• Long-Term Management: AVN often requires ongoing management to prevent further complications. This process can involve regular monitoring, pain management strategies, and lifestyle modifications.

These hidden facts highlight the importance of early detection and proactive management for better outcomes in AVN of the hip and knee.