| Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is a | | | | forming stem cells are utilized to synthesize new |
| progressive, crippling syndrome for which no widely | | | | bone over the dead bone. Stem cells are harvested |
| accepted treatment is available. It has a world wide | | | | from the pelvis of the patient. |
| incidence. It is associated with a variety of both | | | | There are two techniques being promoted. One is a |
| traumatic and non-traumatic conditions and disorders | | | | three stage procedure and the other is a single stage |
| and may develop at any age. The diagnosis may be | | | | procedure. Both procedures are done in India, implying |
| difficult to make, and is frequently missed in its early | | | | that you will save thousands of dollars in treatment |
| stages. | | | | costs. |
| Because a large portion of those affected with AVN | | | | The first method is by stem cell culture in the lab to |
| are young adults, and in 50% both hips are affected, | | | | multiply the number of cells several million fold. These |
| Hip replacements are not necessarily the answer. Hip | | | | cultured stem cells are reinjected into a previous core |
| replacements are done in those advanced cases | | | | decompression site. |
| where secondary hip arthritis has set in. Hip | | | | In the second method, bone marrow obtained from |
| replacements & resurfacing are a sub optimal | | | | the pelvis is centrifuged in the operating room to |
| solution for these young patients. | | | | yield a Bone marrow concentrate rich in stem cells. |
| When the disease is detected early by MRI scans, it | | | | These are injected into a core decompression site. |
| is possible in India now to perform a biological | | | | A paper presented at the recent American academy |
| treatment. In fact a biological treatment option of | | | | of surgeons meet in New Orleans highlighted the |
| early disease is a medical necessity and must be the | | | | success story of stem cells. |
| treatment of choice whenever possible. | | | | To know more about the stem cell option and to |
| A novel approach to this condition is being mooted | | | | determine whether your case is suitable for this |
| by a leading Orthopedic surgeon in Chennai, India. This | | | | unique form of treatment, send an e mail to |
| is by means of stem cells. Stem cells have the | | | | Dr.A.K. |
| potential to regenerate any tissue. In this case, bone | | | | |