This summary is based on the following OREF presentation and related publications listed in the references:
Lowry, JK & Brannon, JK. Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head in Patients with Negative MRI: A Case Series of Core Decompression and Endoscopic Evaluation. Presented at the 2006 Mid-Central State Orthopaedic Society Annual Meeting, Catoosa, OK. OREF Scholarship Award.
Osteoarthritis (OA) and Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head (FH) are associated with obesity, diabetes, smoking, and steroid use. However, the physiologic similarities between OA and AVN have not been recognized, nor have the physiologic similarities between OA/AVN and cardiovascular disease. Osteoarthritis and Avascular Necrosis are joint disorders, while atherosclerosis is a vascular disease resulting from the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) within the intima of the artery leading to inflammation and calcification of necrotic foam cells. The relationship between oxLDL, OA, and AVN has never been considered at the intraosseous level because of insufficient crosstalk between orthopaedic surgery and cardiology at the basic science level. This narrative review summarizes this relationship and how its understanding is key to the success of joint preservation and the avoidance of an arthroplasty.
Keywords: Low-Density Lipoproteins, OxLDL, Osteoarthritis, Avascular Necrosis, Atypical Avascular Necrosis, Cardiovascular Disease, OxLDL Storm, Aseptic Loosening
*James Brannon, MD is the President/CEO of Orthopedic Sciences, Inc., OSI and its Founder in 1999. Dr. Brannon is a lecturer of the orthopaedic basic sciences and holds a significant interest in OSI as the sole inventor of OSI’s joint preservation technology. Orthopedic Sciences, Inc., 3020 Old Ranch Parkway, Suite 300, Seal Beach, CA 90740. Jbrannonmd@orthopedicsciences.com.
