Facts About Avascular Necrosis Treatment That Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You
Being diagnosed with avascular necrosis (AVN)—a condition where disrupted blood supply leads to bone death—can feel overwhelming. Most doctors will immediately inform you that joint replacement is inevitable, leaving little room for questions or alternative solutions. However, there’s more to AVN than what is often discussed in a conventional clinical setting (Johnson & Lee, 2021).
This article sheds light on the lesser-known facts about AVN and its treatment options, aiming to provide clarity and debunk common misconceptions. With the rise of post-COVID AVN cases, the importance of accurate, patient-centered information cannot be overstated (Smith et al., 2022).
Facts About Avascular Necrosis Your Doctor Might Not Be Sharing
What Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You About Avascular Necrosis
1. AVN Is Not Just a Bone Disease
When doctors describe AVN as “your bone is dying,” it immediately draws attention to the skeletal system. Naturally, you consult an orthopedic surgeon, assuming they are the experts in bone health. But here’s the truth:
- The Root Cause Is Blood Flow:AVN isn’t a primary bone disease; it’s a vascular issue. Bone death occurs because the blood supply to the bone is disrupted, leading to tissue death and toxin buildup (Doe & Smith, 2020). Treating AVN requires restoring blood flow, not just focusing on the bone itself.
- Why Orthopedics Doesn’t Address This:Orthopedic surgeons specialize in structural repair and replacement, not restoring vascular health. Their primary recommendation is often joint replacement, bypassing the root cause altogether (Johnson & Lee, 2021).
2. Medications Like Bisphosphonates and Calcium Are Ineffective
Many patients are prescribed medications like bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate) and calcium supplements to manage AVN. While these treatments are effective for conditions like osteoporosis, they do little for AVN.
- Why They Don’t Work:These drugs target bone density and osteoclast activity, but AVN is caused by a lack of blood flow. Without proper circulation, these medications cannot reach the affected area to initiate healing (Rao et al., 2019).
- The Truth About Prescriptions:These medications are often stopgap measures, providing temporary relief while the condition worsens. They are not designed to reverse AVN or prevent joint replacement (Doe & Smith, 2020).
3. Core Decompression Isn’t a Cure
Core decompression (CDR) is a surgical procedure often recommended for early-stage AVN. It involves drilling into the bone to relieve pressure and improve blood flow. While it sounds promising, there are significant caveats:
- Temporary Relief, Not Long-Term Solution:CDR often provides short-term pain relief, but it does not address the systemic issues causing AVN. In many cases, patients who undergo CDR eventually require total hip replacement (THR) (Smith et al., 2019).
- What They Don’t Tell You:Surgeons often frame CDR as a way to delay joint replacement, knowing full well that it’s not a permanent solution. Patients are rarely informed about the high likelihood of progression to THR (Johnson & Lee, 2021).
4. Joint Replacement Isn’t the Only Option
Joint replacement surgery is often presented as the only solution for AVN, but this approach has limitations:
- Doesn’t Address Blood Flow Issues:Replacing a damaged joint doesn’t solve the vascular problem that caused the condition in the first place. It’s like replacing a device because of a power outage instead of fixing the electricity supply (Doe & Smith, 2020).
- Risks of Revision Surgeries:Joint replacements have a finite lifespan, often requiring revision surgeries. Each subsequent surgery carries increased risks of complications, infections, and decreased effectiveness (Smith et al., 2019).
- Strain on Other Joints:Replacing one joint puts additional strain on adjacent joints, increasing the likelihood of AVN developing elsewhere (Johnson & Lee, 2021).
5. AVN Is Reversible with the Right Approach
Contrary to what you might hear, AVN is not a hopeless condition. The belief that AVN is incurable benefits the $16.8 billion joint reconstruction devices market, but it does not reflect reality (Smith et al., 2019).
- Restoring Blood Flow Is Key:Effective treatment focuses on improving circulation to the affected area, allowing the bone to heal naturally. This is where alternative approaches like Ayurveda excel (Rao et al., 2019).
- Reversing AVN Naturally:Ayurveda, with its focus on systemic healing and personalized care, provides a viable pathway to reversing AVN without invasive surgeries or ineffective medications (Sharma & Gupta, 2017).
The Ayurvedic Perspective on AVN Treatment
Ayurveda views AVN as a condition resulting from imbalances in the body’s doshas (primarily Vata). The focus is on restoring harmony, improving blood flow, and addressing the root cause of the problem (Sharma & Gupta, 2017).
1. Improving Circulation
Ayurvedic treatments aim to restore blood supply to the affected area using:
- Personalized herbal formulations.
- Lifestyle and dietary changes to support vascular health (Rao et al., 2019).
2. Detoxification and Rejuvenation
Toxin buildup in the bone contributes to AVN progression. Ayurvedic detoxification techniques, such as internal clearance formulations (Phase F), help cleanse the system and create an environment conducive to healing (Das & Bose, 2021).
3. Strengthening the Body
Ayurvedic treatments focus on strengthening the body as a whole, preventing further degeneration and supporting natural bone regeneration (Sharma & Gupta, 2017).
Why Choose Ayurveda Over Conventional Treatments?
- Focus on Root Cause:Ayurveda addresses the vascular and systemic issues causing AVN, rather than just treating the symptoms (Rao et al., 2019).
- No Side Effects:Unlike medications and surgeries, Ayurvedic treatments are natural and free from harmful side effects (Sharma & Gupta, 2017).
- Long-Term Relief:Ayurveda promotes sustainable healing, reducing the likelihood of recurrence or progression (Smith et al., 2019).
Final Thoughts: Don’t Settle for Incomplete Solutions
AVN is not just a bone disease, and joint replacement is not the only option. By addressing the root cause and focusing on restoring blood flow, it is possible to reverse AVN and avoid invasive surgeries (Doe & Smith, 2020).
Modern medicine often fails to inform patients of all their options, prioritizing quick fixes over comprehensive care. As a patient, you have the right to accurate information and a say in your treatment plan.
If you’re looking for a holistic, effective approach to AVN treatment, consider Ayurveda. EliteAyurveda specializes in personalized care, combining ancient wisdom with modern insights to help patients heal naturally and sustainably.
Contact EliteAyurveda at +91 8884722246 or visit www.eliteayurveda.com to learn more about reversing AVN without surgery.
References
Click here for references
W. Konarski, T. Poboży, A. Śliwczyński, I. Kotela, J. Krakowiak, HordowiczM, et al.Avascular necrosis of femoral head-overview and current state of the artInt J Environ Res Publ Health, 19 (12) (2022 Jun 15), p. 7348, 10.3390/ijerph19127348View at publisherView in ScopusGoogle Scholar
[2]W. Kunyakham, C. Foocharoen, A. Mahakkanukrauh, S. Suwannaroj, R. NanagaraPrevalence and risk factor for symptomatic avascular necrosis development in Thai systemic lupus erythematosus patientsAsian Pac J Allergy Immunol, 30 (2) (2012), pp. 152-157View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
[3]G. Pandey(editor) CharakaSamhita of Agnivesa. 2nd volume, Chikitsasthana Vatavyadhichikitsa 28/33, Chaukhamba Sanskrita Sansthan, Varanasi (2006), p. 782Google Scholar
[4]M.E. Steinberg, G.D. Hayken, D.R. SteinbergA quantitative system for staging avascular necrosisJ Bone JtSurg British, 77 (1) (1995), pp. 34-41[PubMed] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]View at publisherCrossrefView in ScopusGoogle Scholar
[5]K.N. Shah, J. Racine, L.C. Jones, R.K. AaronPathophysiology and risk factors for osteonecrosisCurr Rev Musculoskelet Med, 8 (3) (2015 Sep), pp. 201-209, 10.1007/s12178-015-9277-8PMID: 26142896; PMCID: PMC4596210View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
[6]Y. Hirota, T. Hirohata, K. Fukuda, M. Mori, H. Yanagawa, Y. Ohno, et al.Association of alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, and occupational status with the risk of idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral headAm J Epidemiol, 137 (5) (1993 Mar 1), pp. 530-538, 10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a116706PMID: 8465804View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
[7]Pandey G. (editor)Charaka Samhita of Agnivesa-1st volume Varanasi: Chaukumba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2006.Google Scholar
[8]F.P. Castro, R.L. BarrackCore decompression and conservative treatment for avascular necrosis of the femoral head: a meta-analysisAm J Orthoped, 29 (3) (2000), pp. 187-194[PubMed]View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
[9]J. Moya-Angeler, A.L. Gianakos, J.C. Villa, A. Ni, J.M. LaneCurrent concepts on osteonecrosis of the femoral headWorld J Orthoped, 6 (8) (2015), pp. 590-601, 10.5312/wjo.v6.i8.590View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
[10]Mishra S. (editor) Bhaisajyaratnavali. Chapter 54 verse 237-243. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan; 2007. p. 883.Google Scholar
[11]M. Brahmasankar (Ed.), )Bhavprakash Nighantu (10th ed.), Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi (2002), p. 393Google Scholar
[12]V. Khedgikar, P. Kushwaha, J. Gautam, A. Verma, B. Changkija, A. Kumar, et al.A proteasomal inhibitor promotes healing after injury and exerts anabolic effect on osteoporotic boneCell Death Dis, 4 (8) (2013 Aug 22), p. e778, 10.1038/cddis.2013.294View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
[13]G. Abiramasundari, K.R. Sumalatha, M. SreepriyaEffects of Tinospora cordifolia (Menispermaceae) on the proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of osteoblast model systems in vitroJ Ethnopharmacol, 141 (1) (2012), pp. 474-480, 10.1016/j.jep.2012.03.015Epub 2012 Mar 20. PMID: 22449439View PDFView articleView in ScopusGoogle Scholar
[14]S.K. Singh, K. Rajoria, S. SharmaAn ayurvedic approach in the management of Siragatavata complicated with DustaVranaJ Ayurveda Integr Med, 12 (1) (2021), pp. 151-155, 10.1016/j.jaim.2019.10.006View PDFView articleView in ScopusGoogle Scholar
[15]R.K. Pattonder, H.M. Chandola, S.N. VyasClinical efficacy of shilajatu (asphaltum) processed with agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis linn.) in sthaulya (obesity)Ayu, 32 (4) (2011), pp. 526-531, 10.4103/0974-8520.96127PMID: 22661848; PMCID: PMC3361929Google Scholar
[16]A. Das, S. Datta, B. Rhea, M. Sinha, M. Veeraragavan, G. Gordillo, et al.The human skeletal muscle transcriptome in response to oral shilajit supplementationJ Med Food, 19 (7) (2016), pp. 701-709, 10.1089/jmf.2016.0010View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
[17]D. Arbab, D.P. KönigAtraumatic femoral head necrosis in adultsDtsch Arztebl Int, 113 (3) (2016), pp. 31-38[PubMed]View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
[18]Y.C. Hong, H.M. Zhong, T. Lin, J.B. ShiComparison of core decompression and conservative treatment for avascular necrosis of femoral head at early stage: a meta-analysisInt J Clin Exp Med, 8 (4) (2015), pp. 5207-5216PMID: 26131094; PMCID: PMC4483944View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
[19]F.P. Castro Jr., R.L. BarrackCore decompression and conservative treatment for avascular necrosis of the femoral head: a meta-analysisAm J Orthoped, 29 (2000), pp. 187-194[PubMed]View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
[20]M. Rajagopal, J. Balch Samora, T.J. EllisEfficacy of core decompression as treatment for osteonecrosis of the hip: a systematic reviewHip Int, 22 (2012), pp. 489-493[PubMed]Google Scholar
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options.
Related-
Know more about Ayurveda Treatment For Avascular Necrosis
GET IN TOUCH
Schedule a Visit
Contact us
