Avascular Necrosis Treatment in Pittsburgh – Avoid Hip Replacement with Advanced Orthobiologics
When the blood supply to your hip bone slows or stops, the result is something called avascular necrosis (AVN)—also known as osteonecrosis. Over time, the femoral head (top of the thigh bone) begins to weaken, collapse, and deteriorate. The pain can be deep and relentless, and if left untreated, often ends in a total hip replacement. At Regenexx Pittsburgh, we offer advanced, non-surgical orthobiologic treatments that may help slow or reverse the progression of AVN. Using your body’s own healing cells—concentrated and precisely guided into the damaged area—we aim to preserve your joint, reduce pain, and help you stay active without going under the knife.
- Preserve your natural hip joint
- Avoid surgery and lengthy recovery
- Real-time, image-guided procedures for safety and accuracy
What Is Avascular Necrosis of the Hip?
Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a condition where reduced blood flow to the femoral head leads to bone tissue death. As the bone loses strength, it can collapse—causing the joint to deteriorate and leading to significant pain and disability. AVN typically progresses through stages, from early cellular damage to full joint collapse. It often affects adults between 30 and 60 years old and may be triggered by trauma, medication use, or underlying health conditions. If caught early, there’s a window to intervene before permanent damage occurs.
Common Causes & Risk Factors
- Repetitive strain or overuse (running, stair-climbing, prolonged standing)
- Age-related degeneration, especially after age 40
- Biomechanical issues like poor posture, abnormal gait, or leg length discrepancy
- Hip abductor or core weakness
- Obesity, increasing stress on the tendons
- History of lower back or knee issues, which can shift load to the hip
Symptoms of Avascular Necrosis
Pain-Related Symptoms
- Deep, throbbing pain in the hip, groin, or buttocks
- Pain that worsens with weight-bearing or activity
- Pain at rest in advanced stages
Mobility-Related Symptoms
- Limping or altered gait
- Difficulty walking, bending, or going up stairs
- Stiffness and limited range of motion
Conventional Treatments & Limitations
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
|
NSAIDs / Pain Meds |
Easy to access;
reduce symptoms |
Don’t slow AVN progression; long-term use risks |
|
Core Decompression Surgery |
May improve blood flow
in early cases |
Invasive; unpredictable
long-term benefit |
|
Hip Replacement Surgery |
Restores function in
end-stage AVN |
Major surgery; long rehab; limited implant lifespan |
|
Watch-and-Wait Approach |
Delays surgery |
Often results in worsening and permanent damage |
The Regenexx Approach: PRP & Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC)
We don’t guess. We guide. At Regenexx Pittsburgh, every procedure is customized to your condition and performed using advanced imaging for precision.
01
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Ideal for early-stage AVN, PRP uses concentrated platelets from your blood to promote tissue repair and improve blood flow to the bone.
- Targets inflammation
- Stimulates cellular healing
- Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure
02
Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC)
For moderate to advanced AVN (before collapse), BMC contains stem cells and powerful growth factors to support bone regeneration.
- Harvested from your pelvic bone under local anesthesia
- Same-day injection back into the hip under X-ray or ultrasound
- May help slow or reverse bone loss
We help you choose the right protocol based on your AVN stage and imaging.
What to Expect from Treatment
Comprehensive Consultation
Comprehensive Consultation
Same-Day Procedure
Same-Day Procedure
Quick Recovery
Quick Recovery
Progressive Results
Progressive Results 
Are You a Candidate?
You may be a good fit for Regenexx treatment if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with AVN (Stage I or II)
- You want to avoid or delay hip replacement
- Physical therapy and medications haven’t helped
- You’re otherwise healthy and motivated to preserve your joint
- Let’s find out if orthobiologics are right for you. We’ll give you straight answers and a personalized plan.
Why Patients Choose Regenexx Pittsburgh
Over 115,000 Regenexx procedures performed nationwide
Board-certified physicians with orthopedic expertise
Treatments backed by published data and a clinical outcomes registry
Real-time, image-guided injections for accuracy
Real-time, image-guided injections for accuracy
Personalized care—no cookie-cutter protocols
What Patients Are Saying
At 42, I was told a hip replacement was my only option. Regenexx gave me a second chance. After BMC therapy, my pain is down and I’m back to hiking with my family.
— Jason, Wexford
My AVN was early-stage, and I caught it just in time. PRP was a game-changer—I avoided surgery, and I feel like myself again.
— Melissa, South Hills
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do results last?
Can this cure AVN?
Is the procedure painful?
Are there risks?
Does insurance cover PRP or BMC?
Start Healing Without Surgery
Avascular necrosis doesn’t have to be a countdown to joint replacement. With Regenexx Pittsburgh, you may have a chance to preserve your natural hip and keep doing what you love—without hospitals, downtime, or unnecessary interventions.
