September 06, 2004
Labor Day/What is a AVN & FVFG?
Another day at my "at peace" place, sitting in the sun next to the pool. The water feels so good on my bones. It makes me exercise more since it is so refreshing. I think it's the last day my outside pool is open...we will see. Sad day to me, if it is.
AVN=Avascular Necrosis is a condition that results from a loss of blood supply to the bone. There are many causes for this, all of which lead to the death of living cells within the bone. Due to a problem with blood supply, the hip starts to degenerate and collapse over time.
The goal of FVFG-Free Vascularized Fibula Graft is to an advanced option that reconnects blood vessels and helps to increase circulation in an attempt to avoid the need for hip replacement surgery. Free Vascularized Fibula Graft, pioneered by Dr. James Urbaniuk at Duke University is a procedure that requires taking out the middle portion of the fibula (lower leg bone) with the attached artery(s) and vein (the fibula brings in bone and blood supply and gives you mechanical strength) then drilling a hole within the hip and reattaching blood vessels. This is considered to be a preventive treatment for those with this degenerative condition. The surgery itself is very intensive and requires the highest degree of skill and precision, as the blood vessels being reattached are thinner than the average strand of hair. The surgery, which can take up to 18 hours by those who are not so experienced, took Dr. Urbaniak and his team only 5 hours to complete for me.
For 6 weeks I was unable to put any weight on her hip/leg. Gradually over a total of 6 months, I was able to put weight on my leg and then at the end of 6 months, able to walk without any aide. It should be noted, not everyone affected with hip disorders resulting from AVN are candidates for this new procedure. Each is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. I was one of the lucky ones!
So now you know the general description of this disease and this procedure. Details will come along the way of my experience. This is what makes us who we are...experience.
Happy Monday and Happy Labor Day,
Star
Materials stated above may have come from an article from Dr Atkins in Chicago.
Posted by Star on September 6, 2004 05:04 PM