Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Nonsurgical Treatment Option for Osteonecrosis

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a progressive condition characterized by bone tissue cell death as a result of ischemia, which is most often seen in weight-bearing joints. The traditional treatment of this disease process in the hip includes surgical decompression and joint replacement. This case report describes a novel nonsurgical approach for treating advanced-stage degenerative AVN of the hip with the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma. The patient demonstrated significant functional improvements after this intervention without the need for further treatment except for physical therapy. The report suggests the potential utility of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of degenerative AVN. PM R 2012;4:1015-1019