Core Decompression for Avascular Necrosis (CPB 0753, reviewed 2026-10-21)
Aetna's Clinical Policy Bulletin 0753 on core decompression for avascular necrosis lists a last review date of 10/21/2026, but the text does not describe what changed. Aetna considers core decompression medically necessary for early or pre-collapse (stage I or II) avascular necrosis of the hip, and considers it experimental, investigational or unproven for late or post-collapse (stage III or higher) hip avascular necrosis and for avascular necrosis of other joints. Aetna also considers several adjunctive treatments experimental, investigational or unproven for avascular necrosis of any joint, including bone marrow concentrate, platelet-rich plasma, bisphosphonates, bone morphogenic proteins and synthetic bone graft substitutes.