Vascularized fibular grafts in patients with avascular necrosis of femoral head: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Functional and HIP survivorship outcomes of free Vascularized fibula graft in the management of post COVID-19 Osteonecrosis of femur head: A prospective case series

Aim & objectives

To evaluate functional and radiological outcomes of Free Vascularized Fibula grafting in management of Covid-19 associated Osteonecrosis of Femur Head.

Design

Prospective Case Series.

Methods

14 hips (10 patients) with ONFH following COVID-19 were treated with Free Vascularized Fibula graft from June 2021 to December 2022 and were subsequently evaluated monthly for 6 months and then every 3 months post operatively for functionality (Harris Hip Score), Femur head collapse and related complications.

Results

Mean age of patients was 29.3 years (Range: 20-38 years). 14 diseased hips were classified on the basis of Steinberg classification as 4 stage 2B, 4 stage 3B and 6 stage 3C. The average follow up period was 2.1 years (Range: 12 months-34 months).Eight of fourteen hips survived and six progressed to collapse. Mean HHS at final follow-up was 68.3 in comparison to 65.8 pre-operatively. 4 fair and 4 poor HH scores were converted to 4 excellent and 4 good scores post-operatively.Two late complications were noted-one FHL contracture and one CPN neuroma.

Conclusion

Free Vascularized Fibula Graft, as a hip salvage modality, showed optimal results in the treatment of COVID-19 related ONFH, which is associated with aggressive disease course and extensive involvement of femur head.

Analysis of the efficacy of drilling decompression autologous bone marrow and allogeneic bone grafting in the treatment of HIV-positive patients with early osteonecrosis of the femoral head

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of treating patients with HIV-positive osteonecrosis of the femoral head using drilled decompression autologous bone marrow and allogeneic bone grafting.

METHODS

40 patients (44 hips) with early osteonecrosis of the femoral head treated by drilling decompression autologous bone marrow and allogeneic bone grafting since October 2015 were retrospectively analyzed, among which 20 patients (24 hips) were HIV-positive patients with early osteonecrosis of the femoral head, 16 males and 4 females, age 22-43 years, average 39.6 ± 10.18 years, and 20 patients (20 hips) in the same period HIV-negative early osteonecrosis of the femoral head patients, 13 males and 7 females, aged 48-78 years, mean 63.50 ± 7.94 years were negative controls. General information including ARCO stage, Harris score, VAS score, hematological indexes including CD4+ T lymphocyte count, and HIV viral load was recorded for all patients before surgery. All patients were operated on by drilling and decompression of the necrotic area, harvesting autologous iliac bone marrow with allogeneic bone, and bone grafting through the decompression channel. The patients were followed up regularly at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery and annually thereafter, and the repair of the necrotic femoral head was observed by reviewing the frontal and lateral X-ray, CT or MRI of the hip joint, and the complications and functional recovery of the hip joint was counted and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

All patients were followed up, and the ARCO stages in the HIV-positive group were stage I 2 hips, stage IIA 6 hips, stage IIB 8 hips, stage IIC 6 hips, and stage III 2 hips, with a follow-up time of 12 to 60 months and a mean of 24.6 months. In the negative control group, there were 3 hips in ARCO stage I, 7 hips in stage IIA, 5 hips in stage IIB, 3 hips in stage IIC, and 2 hips in stage III, and the follow-up time ranged from 13 to 62 months, with an average of 24.8 months. The Harris score and VAS score of the hip in both groups improved significantly at 6 months postoperatively compared with those before surgery (P < 0.001). The difference between the Harris score of the hip in the positive group at 24 months postoperatively compared with that at 6 months postoperatively was statistically significant, but the VAS score at 24 months postoperatively compared with that at 6 months postoperatively was not statistically significant. In the negative group, there was no statistically significant difference in the Harris score and VAS score of the hip at 24 months postoperatively compared with those at 6 months postoperatively. In the positive group, there was a trend of continuous increase in hip BMD from the beginning of the postoperative period (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the negative group and the positive group at the 24 months postoperatively follow-up except for the Harris score, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001), and the VAS score, which was statistically insignificant. At the 24 months postoperatively follow-up, patients in both groups had good recovery of hip function, and no complications such as vascular and nerve injury and fracture occurred during the perioperative period and follow-up period, and no complications related to incisional infection and pulmonary infection occurred during hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of early HIV-positive osteonecrosis of the femoral head patients with autologous bone marrow and allogeneic bone grafting by drilling and decompression to remove the tissue in the necrotic area of the femoral head can effectively stop the process of osteonecrosis of the femoral head and promoting femoral head repair in HIV-positive patients is a safe and effective method for treating HIV-positive patients with early osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and can effectively delay or postpone total hip replacement in patients.

Comparison of minimally-invasive fibular supporting of T-type with traditional bloody iliac flap metastasis for osteonecrosis of the femoral head at ARCO stage II

Purpose

Our research mainly evaluates the clinical efficacy of two surgical methods in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) at ARCO stage II, aiming to provide optimal hip-preserving treatment of ONFH.

Method

From October 2018 to September 2020, 48 patients (59 hips) met the inclusion criteria and randomized. 24 cases (29 hips) in experimental group were treated with minimally-invasive fibular supporting of T-type; 24 cases (30 hips) in control group were treated with traditional bloody iliac flap metastasis. We will compare some intraoperative and postoperative conditions.

Result

The operation time in experimental group was 37 (6) minutes, in control group was 130 (21.75) minutes; the length of surgical incision in two groups was 3.7 (0.7) cm and 12.85 (2.68) cm. The intraoperative blood loss in two groups was 69 (21) ml and 363 (87) ml; the postoperative VAS score of the experimental group on day 1, day 3, day 7 after surgery was 5.5 (2), 3.5 (1), 0 (1); the control group was 6 (1.75), 4 (1), 3 (1). The data differences between above groups have statistically significant. The follow-up time of two groups was (33.86 ± 5.66) months and (35.67 ± 4.69) months. The bone graft healing time in two groups was (14.21 ± 1.93) months and (13.83 ± 2.34) months. The Harris hip scores of two groups at the last follow-up were 90 (7.5) and 86.5 (8.5). The survival rates of two groups were 79.31% (23/29) and 76.67% (23/30). The difference was no statistically significant in above groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The two different bone graft implantation showed satisfactory early outcomes. Compared to the control group, the experimental group has the advantages of lesser pain, lesser blood loss, lesser trauma and shorter operation time. It may be a choice as bone graft for the treatment of ONFH at early stage.

Mid- to long-term results of modified avascular fibular grafting for ONFH

Free vascularized fibular grafting was reported a favorable method to prevent the collapse of the femoral head. This study analyzed the mid- to long-term outcomes of avascular fibular grafting (AVFG) for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) with 6- to 8-year follow-up. From March 2009 to March 2012, 34 patients (48 hips) were diagnosed with ONFH operated with AVFG in Jiangsu Province Hospital of traditional Chinese Medicine. We retrospectively reviewed the clinic outcomes of these patients and evaluated the differences in outcomes by diverse stages [Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO)] and types [China–Japan Friendship Hospital (CJFH) classification] annually. The hip survival rate, Harris hip score (HHS), activity level and imaging stability were calculated. The average follow-up time was 6.7 years. At the last follow-up, 34 of 48 hips survived totally. According to the ARCO stage, the overall clinical success rate for hip preserving were 76.0% (19/25) in II stage, 85.7% (12/14) in IIIA stage and 33.3% (3/9) in IIIB stage. Referring to the CJFH classification system, the hip survival rate were 100% (2/2) in M type, 90.9% (10/11) in C type, 77.8% (14/18) in L1 type, 57.1% (8/14) in L2 type and 0% (0/3) in L3 type. The mean visual analog scale (VAS) score, HHS and Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) were significantly improved at the final follow-up compared with pre-operative values (P < 0.001). The AVFG operation can increase the hip function and improve patients’ lives quality. The mid- to long-term efficacy can satisfy fundamental life requirements, especially for those early-stage and small-scale patients who suffer ONFH to avoid or put off the time of total hip arthroplasty surgery.

Vascularized fibula flap in the management of segmental bone loss following osteomyelitis in children at a Ugandan hospital

Background: Hematogenous osteomyelitis is commonly observed in the pediatric population across sub-Saharan Africa. This retrospective case series was designed to evaluate the complications and outcomes of treatment using a vascularized fibula flap (VFF) to fill segmental bone defects secondary to osteomyelitis in children in a low-resource setting in CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital, Uganda. Methods: Clinical notes and radiographs of children with a diagnosis of osteomyelitis that subsequently underwent a VFF procedure between October 2013 and December 2017 were reviewed. All patients were clinically and radiographically evaluated in 2019. Results: Forty-four children, with an average bone defect of 10.5 cm, were included. Eighty-four percent of children had successful VFF limb reconstruction. Integration of the graft was radiologically sound in 20.8 weeks on average. The postoperative phase was uneventful in 29 % of patients. Complications were observed in the remaining patients, including flap failure (6), donor leg neurapraxia (3), cutaneous paddle necrosis (11), graft fracture (2), skin graft loss (6), fixator failure (1) and non-union (2). Functional outcomes were rated as excellent in 13 patients, good in 14, fair in 9 and poor in 8. There was no recurrence of the bone infection in any of the enrolled children. Conclusion: Despite being a complex and demanding procedure, VFF is a good option for reconstructing post-osteomyelitis bone defects, particularly when associated with loss of soft tissue envelope. Considering the more than satisfactory functional and clinical outcomes, this procedure should be kept in mind for these complex pediatric cases of bone and soft tissue loss, even in a low-resource setting.

Treatment of aseptic osteonecrosis of the femoral head: Historical aspects

The treatment of aseptic osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head has been the subject of numerous therapeutic and surgical proposals due to the absence of medical treatment with proven efficacy. For many years, the goal of surgical treatment was to avoid total hip replacement (THR) with uncertain survival in patients considered too young (30-50 years) for this procedure. Numerous conservative treatments were thus proposed: core decompression with numerous variants, non-vascularized and vascularized bone grafts, intertrochanteric and rotational transtrochanteric osteotomies, cementing. The lack of a common classification and a lack of knowledge of natural history complicated the interpretation of the results for a long time. Nevertheless, it appeared that these treatments were effective only in the very early stages and among these in the limited ONs, medial rather than central and especially lateral, with discrepancies according to etiologies apart from sickle cell disease recognized by all as being pejorative. For the same reason, partial arthroplasties have been attempted and abandoned in turn: femoral head total and partial resurfacing and femoral prosthesis. The most recent advances are stem-cell-enhanced core decompression and progress in total arthroplasty, whose reliability has made it possible to extend the indications to increasingly younger patients seeking treatment with guaranteed or near-guaranteed efficacy. Most of the other interventions have disappeared or almost disappeared because of their lack of effectiveness especially in extensive and post-fracture ONs, sometimes because of their complexity and the length of their post-operative management, and also because they complicate and penalize a future total arthroplasty. This argues for early detection of ON at an early stage where the "head can be saved" by stem cell augmented core decompression, a minimally invasive treatment that leaves the chances of success of a THR intact.

[Treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head with vascularized bone grafting]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the current progress of vascularized bone grafting in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), and to provide reference for treatment of ONFH.

METHODS

The literature at home and abroad on the treatment of ONFH with vascularized bone grafting was reviewed, and the mechanism, operating methods and effectiveness, indications, and complications were summarized.

RESULTS

Vascularized bone grafting is a commonly used clinical hip-preserving operation. By replacing necrotic bone tissue with vascularized bone, it can rebuild the blood circulation system, promote the healing of the necrotic area, and provide biomechanical support for the necrotic area of the femoral head, prevent the joint surface collapse. The main operations include the vascularized iliac bone flap grafting, the vascularized greater trochanter bone flap grafting, and the vascularized fibular grafting. The clinical application has achieved certain effectiveness, and the different procedures are suitable for different types of patients. The procedures need to be selected based on the patient's overall condition, the cause of ONFH, the necrosis stage, and the degree of the evaluation.

CONCLUSION

Vascularized bone grafting has a definite effectiveness in the treatment of ONFH in the young and middle-aged. It can significantly improve hip joint function, control the further development of the disease to a great extent, effectively delay or even avoid hip arthroplasty. It is a reliable hip-preserving operation worthy of promotion.

Long-term survival and clinical outcomes of non-vascularized autologous and allogeneic fibular grafts are comparable for treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Background

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a disabling disease, which often involves young patients. Recently, various hip-preserving surgeries were recommended to delay total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Questions/purposes

This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes and survival rate in the long-term follow-up between core decompression combined with a non-vascularized autologous fibular graft (group A) and an allogeneic fibular graft (group B) for the treatment of ONFH.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively evaluated 117 patients (153 hips) with ONFH (Association Research Circulation Osseous [ARCO] stages IIa to IIIc) who underwent the abovementioned hip-preserving surgeries between January 2003 and June 2012. The mean (range) follow-up times (years) were 12.9 (7–16) and 9.3 (6–16) in groups A and B, respectively. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS), visual analog scale (VAS) score, and forgotten joint score (FJS). A survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The end point was THA.

Results

Groups A and B showed postoperative improvements, respectively, in HHS from 65 ± 7.2 to 80.3 ± 14.5 and from 66 ± 5.9 to 82.4 ± 13.6 (p < 0.05), and in VAS score from 6.3 ± 1.1 to 2.3 ± 1.6 and from 6.1 ± 1 to 2.2 ± 2.2 (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences in the HHS, VAS score, and hip FJS at the last follow-up (p > 0.05) and 15-year survival rate (84.1% and 86%, respectively, p > 0.05) were found between groups A and B.

Conclusions

Autologous and allogeneic fibular grafts can attain equally good clinical outcomes and high survival rates in long-term follow-up, and thus can greatly delay THA owing to good bone osseointegration and sufficient mechanical support. Notably, the ratio of failure will increase when patients were more than 37 years old.

Level of evidence

Level III, therapeutic study

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13018-021-02246-3.

Bone Microvasculature: Stimulus for Tissue Function and Regeneration

Bone is a highly vascularized organ, providing structural support to the body, and its development, regeneration, and remodeling depend on the microvascular homeostasis. Loss or impairment of vascular function can develop diseases, such as large bone defects, avascular necrosis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and osteopetrosis. In this review, we summarize how vasculature controls bone development and homeostasis in normal and disease cases. A better understanding of this process will facilitate the development of novel disease treatments that promote bone regeneration and remodeling. Specifically, approaches based on tissue engineering components, such as stem cells and growth factors, have demonstrated the capacity to induce bone microvasculature regeneration and mineralization. This knowledge will have relevant clinical implications for the treatment of bone disorders by developing novel pharmaceutical approaches and bone grafts. Finally, the tissue engineering approaches incorporating vascular components may widely be applied to treat other organ diseases by enhancing their regeneration capacity. Impact statement Bone vasculature is imperative in the process of bone development, regeneration, and remodeling. Alterations or disruption of the bone vasculature leads to loss of bone homeostasis and the development of bone diseases. In this study, we review the role of vasculature on bone diseases and how vascular tissue engineering strategies, with a detailed emphasis on the role of stem cells and growth factors, will contribute to bone therapeutics.

Bone marrow lesion on magnetic resonance imaging indicates the last chance for hip osteonecrosis treated with vascularized fibular grafting before collapse

PURPOSE

Timing of surgery is the most critical prognostic factor for hip osteonecrosis treated with free vascularized fibular grafting (FVFG). Bone marrow lesion (BML) on MRI usually occurs immediately before femoral head collapse. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate whether the noncollapsed hips with BML can benefit from FVFG.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing modified FVFG were identified from our clinical repository between January 2014 and December 2014. Based on whether BML was pre-operatively detected, the four year radiographic and clinical outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

In the BML cohort, 22 of 53 hips (42%) showed radiographic signs of osteonecrosis progression, which was significantly higher than that in the control cohort (8 of 49, 16%; P = 0.005). The BML hips showed a significantly lower pre-operative Harris Hip Score (HHS) than those without BML (77.8 vs. 85.5, P = 0.046), whereas no such difference was observed in the final HHS or its post-operative improvement (HHS 90 vs. 94, P = 0.397; HHS improvement 12 vs. 8, P = 0.067). In the subgroup of patients with a pre-operative HHS lower than 80, BML hips were associated with a slightly lower final HHS than hips without BML. Four of 5 (80%) failed hips with BML had a poor pre-operative hip function.

CONCLUSION

BML indicates the last chance for a reproducible improvement in the treatment of hip osteonecrosis with FVFG before collapse. However, the concomitant lower pre-operative HHS (< 80) is a poor prognostic factor for BML-positive hips.

Treatments of avascular osteonecrosis of the hip: Current treatments

Conservative treatments for aseptic osteonecrosis of the femoral head have their ancestor in the core decompression of the femoral neck, recommended by Ficat. Due to inconsistent results, this treatment has been optimized by either vascularized fibular grafting, or by injecting autologous stem cells into the necrotic zone. The French promoters have published long-term results, showing efficacy in the early stages of the disease, where the femoral head has not yet lost its sphericity. Over the last 10years, comparative studies, sometimes randomized, opposing them to simple core decompression, have been published by non-promoters, confirming the possibility of stabilization or even regression of necrosis area. But these techniques are not easy to implement. Cell therapy requires treatment of marrow samples by centrifugation to obtain a pellet with a high concentration of haematopoietic cells. The now proven long-term efficacy as well as the safety of this technique make it the method of choice for treating young patients detected at the sub-radiological stage by MRI. Unfortunately, many are seen late with detached cephalic cartilage or collapsed femoral head and have no other option than total hip arthroplasty. This technique is very reliable. With alumina ceramics, results of more than 20years show the absence of wear and osteolysis, although other complications such as instability or periprosthetic fractures may occur in these young and active patients.

Complications After Pediatric Hip Fractures: Evaluation and Management

Pediatric proximal femur fractures are high-energy injuries with predictable and morbid complications. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is the most common complication with identified risk factors including fracture type, patient's age, degree of displacement, timing to reduction, and stability of fixation. Additional complications include nonunion, coxa vara, and premature physeal arrest. The mainstay of treatment for traumatic pediatric osteonecrosis is hip preservation with total hip arthroplasty being reserved as a salvage procedure. An anatomic fracture reduction and a biomechanically stable construct are critical to prevent both nonunion and osteonecrosis. This review will look at the individual surgical interventions for the management of the associated complications of pediatric proximal femur fractures.

The effect of robot-navigation-assisted core decompression on early stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head

BACKGROUND

The aim of the current paper is to evaluate the effects of robot-navigation-assisted core decompression compared with conventional core decompression surgery for early-stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

METHODS

Twenty patients with a total of 36 hips who were diagnosed with Association Research Circulation Osseous stage 2 avascular necrosis of the femoral head and who received core decompression with or without robotic assistance were reviewed. The Harris hip score and visual analog scale score were used to assess clinical function. Intraoperative radiation exposure and operation time were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the robot-assisted system.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 26.4 months (24-36 months), the Harris hip score, visual analog scale score, and survival rate of the patients were similar between the conventional and robot-assisted groups. The guidewire insertion time, number of guidewire attempts, and radiation exposure during guidewire insertion were all significantly lower in the robot-assisted group than in the conventional group.

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted core decompression of the femoral head is as safe and effective as a conventional core decompression surgery. It can reduce operation time and decrease intraoperative radiation exposure.

[Atraumatic and aseptic osteonecrosis of large joints]

Subchondral osteonecrosis of large weight-bearing joints (hip and knee joints) represents a severe and joint-threatening disease. Apart from idiopathic forms, glucocorticoid medication and alcohol abuse have been identified as major causative factors for atraumatic osteonecrosis. In addition to direct cytotoxic factors, a critically reduced perfusion of the subchondral osseous space will eventually lead to bone marrow ischemia and osseous necrosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is capable of visualizing a reactive border-like zone in this early, already irreversible and often asymptomatic stage I according to the Association of Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) staging system. Later in the course, osteonecrosis progresses to form serpiginous sclerotic lines, enclosing the necrotic bone area (stage II ARCO). Repair mechanisms of osteonecrosis are mostly unsuccessful and depending on the size of the osteonecrosis result in biomechanical failure and ultimately subchondral insufficiency fractures (crescent sign), thus marking the transition to stage III ARCO (joint surface collapse).

Donor site morbidity of vascularized bone grafts from the medial femoral condyle for osseous revascularization

BACKGROUND

Vascularized bone grafts from the medial femoral condyle (MFC) are used to gain surgical revascularization of osseous defects. To date objective data regarding the donor site morbidity are limited. This study aims to evaluate the donor site associated outcome after MFC flap harvest.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 2008 to 2016, 22 patients who underwent MFC bone flap harvest for osseous revascularization of 9 talus, 8 scaphoids, 2 metacarpals, 1 phalanx, 1 pilon tibiale, and 1 distal femur were included. Outcome analysis was performed for the whole cohort as well as for two subgroups (recipient site upper [group A] and lower extremity [group B]) by the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), the OAK-score of the Swiss Orthopedic Society and the visual analog scale (VAS). Additionally, a 3D gait analysis was performed for four patients.

RESULTS

The mean flap size was 1 × 1 × 3 cm. No flap loss was observed. One minor surgical revision was performed due to donor site hematoma. Mean follow-up was 35.8 (12-98) months. Mean LEFS-score was 74.9 ± 9.5 (A: 74.3 ± 7.9; B: 75.6 ± 11.2, p > .05) and OAK-score was 92.8 ± 9.4 (A: 93.2 ± 5.8; B: 92.4 ± 12.3, p > .05). At follow-up examination, pain at rest was stated with 0.1 ± 0.2 (A: 0.1 ± 0.3; B 0 ± 0, p > .05) and with activity 0.6 ± 1.4 (A: 1.2 ± 1.8; B: 0 ± 0, p > .05) on VAS. The 3-D gait analysis showed normative walking patterns.

CONCLUSION

After MFC flap harvest knee function and gait pattern were almost unimpaired. Donor site morbidity can be considered as being of minor concern in the decision-making for this microvascular procedure.

Different Recipient Vessels for Free Microsurgical Fibula Flaps in the Treatment of Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Several recipient vessels can be used in free microsurgical fibula flaps (MFFs) for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH). Few articles investigate the influence of different recipient vessels on outcomes of MFF for ANFH.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of databases including PubMed-Medline, Ovid-Embase, and Cochrane Library was performed to collect the related studies. The Medical Subject Headings used were "femur head necrosis" and "bone transplantation." The relevant words in title or abstract included but not limited to "fibula flap," "fibular flap," "vascularized fibula," "vascularized fibular," "free fibula," "free fibular," "femoral head necrosis," "avascular necrosis of femoral head," and "ischemic necrosis of femoral head." The methodological index for nonrandomized studies was adopted for assessing the studies included in this review.

RESULTS

Finally, 15 studies encompassing a total of 1267 patients (1603 hips) with ANFH were pooled in the overall analysis. Recipient vessels for MFF included the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and vein in 8 studies, descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and vein in 2 studies, second perforating branch of the deep femoral artery and vein in 4 studies, and inferior gluteal artery and vein in 1 study. Preoperative and postoperative average Harris hip score and pooled analyses of the rate of conversion, radiographic progression, and hip surgery-related complications showed no significant difference on the outcomes of MFF on ANFH between using different recipient vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

Different recipient vessels did not affect outcomes in MFF procedures for ANFH. High-quality randomized controlled trials and prospective studies would be necessary to clarify reliable advantages and disadvantages between different recipient vessels. Until then, surgeons are justified in using ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and vein, descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and vein, second perforating branch of the deep femoral artery and vein, and inferior gluteal artery and vein vessels according to care circumstances and customary practice.

A Systematic Quality Evaluation of Meta-Analyses Related to Plastic Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Meta-analyses are considered to be an important source of evidence. This review aims to systematically assess the quality of meta-analyses addressing topics in plastic surgery.

METHODS

Electronic databases were selected for systematic review. A search was performed focusing on communication addresses containing terms related to plastic surgery, and detailed inclusion criteria were used. Related data were extracted and recorded according to the items of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. To assess the quality of the meta-analyses over time, studies published before and after PRISMA were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 116 meta-analyses were included. There was 1 study that was fully in compliance with the PRISMA items. The main flaws impacting the overall quality of the included studies were in the following areas: structured summary (48%), protocol and registration (2%), full electronic search strategy (35%), risk of bias in individual studies (41%), additional analyses (27%), risk of bias within studies (47%), additional analysis (30%), and funding (47%). Study quality was evaluated using relative risks (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI); this revealed that there were few significant improvements in adherence to the PRISMA statement after its release, especially in selection (RR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.08-2.99), results of individual studies (RR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.41-5.91), synthesis of results (RR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.32-7.17), and funding (RR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.21-2.24).

CONCLUSIONS

There have been measurable improvements in the quality of meta-analyses over recent years. However, several serious deficiencies remain according to the PRISMA statement. Future reviewers should pay more attention to not only reporting the main findings but also encouraging compliance with proper standards.

Osseoscopy: Direct Visualization to Assist Core Decompression and Debridement of Necrotic Bone Defects

Free vascularized fibular grafting after core decompression and debridement of necrotic lesions is an effective surgical treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. A technical challenge encountered in performing this procedure is ensuring adequate debridement of necrotic parts while preserving healthy bone. A previously described method accomplishes this indirectly using radioactive contrast media and fluoroscopy, increasing the risk of radiation exposure. We propose a surgical technique using standard arthroscopic equipment to visualize inside the femoral head, facilitating precise and accurate debridement without additional radiation exposure.

Evidence for the Use of Cell-Based Therapy for the Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Cell-therapy has been promoted among the therapeutic arsenal that can aid in bone formation and remodeling, in early stages of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the evidence supporting the (1) clinical efficacy; (2) structural modifying effect, as evaluated radiographically; (3) revision rates; and (4) safety of cell-therapy for the treatment of ONFH.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed including studies with a level-of-evidence of III or higher. A total of 1483 articles were screened. Eleven studies met the criteria for inclusion in this review (level-of-evidence: 6 level-I, 1 level-II, and 4 level-III), including 683 cases of ONFH.

RESULTS

All 10 studies that reported patient-reported outcomes showed improved outcomes in the cell-therapy groups compared with the control group. Overall, 24.5% (93/380 hips) that received cell-therapy showed radiographic progression compared with 40% (98/245 hips) in the control group. Nine of 10 studies that reported failure rates showed a lower total hip arthroplasty conversion rate in the cell-therapy group 16% (62/380 hips) compared with the control group 21% (52/252 hips). There was a low complication rate (<3%) with no major adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Cell-therapies for the treatment of ONFH have been reported to be safe and suggest improved clinical outcomes with lower disease progression rate. However, there was substantial heterogeneity in the included studies, and in the cell-based therapies used. Specific clinical indications and cell-therapy standardization are required because studies varied widely with respect to cell sourcing, cell characterization, adjuvant therapies, and assessment of outcomes.

[Bone marrow edema and atraumatic necrosis of the femoral head : Therapy]

BACKGROUND

An increase in interstitial bony fluid occurs in bone-marrow edema (BME). The exact pathogenetic processes still remain unknown. BME is an unspecific finding that can occur on its own or accompany multiple diseases and pathologies.

GOAL

Literature review and presentation of new guidelines.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a narrative literature review followed by current advice for the therapy of atraumatic osteonecrosis of the hip, based on the recently published S3-guidelines for this disease.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The differentiation of at least 3 different etiologies is proposed (mechanic, reactive and ischemic). Difficult, but important, is the distinction between the mostly painful, but benign entities (BME syndrome, bone bruise) and the progressive pathologies (osteonecrosis, arthritis, CRPS, tumour). Treatment options are dependent on etiology and clinic and can often be symptomatic. Core decompression is the surgical gold standard, leading to immediate pressure relief and therefore reduction in pain. Recently, it was shown that intravenous administration of Iloprost and bisphosphonates are also effective in achieving a reduction of BME and pain, with considerable improvement in the accompanying symptoms. The combination of core decompression and infusion seems to be another possible optimization ofthe therapy, in particular in the treatment of osteonecrosis.

S3-Guideline non-traumatic adult femoral head necrosis

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of adult non-traumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN; N-ANFH) within an estimated incidence of 5000-7000 cases per annum in Germany remains a challenge. Risk factors include steroids, alcohol abuse, chemotherapy and immunosuppressive medication, but a genetic predisposition has been suggested. Early diagnosis of this often bilateral disease process is essential for successful conservative or joint preserving surgical management. In this review, we present the update German consensus S3 guideline "diagnosis and management for N-ANFH" as a concise summary.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic review is based on the published literature from January 1, 1970 to April 31, 2013 (German and English language). Inclusion criteria were systematic reviews, meta-analyses and relevant peer review publications. We identified a total of 3715 related publications, of which 422 were suitable according to the SIGN criteria, but only 159 fulfilled our inclusion criteria.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Clinical suspicion of N-ANFH mandates radiographic evaluation. If radiographs are normal MRI scans are recommended, which should be evaluated according to the ARCO-classification. Differential diagnoses include transient osteoporosis, bone bruise, insufficiency fracture and destructive arthropathy. Untreated, subchondral fractures commonly occur within 2 years, during which the risk for contralateral involvement is high-thereafter unlikely. Conservative management with Ilomedin and Alendronat can be tried, but other pharmacological or physical treatments are inappropriate. No specific joint preserving procedure can be recommended, but core decompression should be considered in early stages if necrosis is <30 %. In ARCO stages IIIc or IV total hip arthroplasty (THA) should be contemplated, which offers similar outcome compared to osteoarthritis. Young age is the main risk factor for higher revision rates after THA for N-ANFH.

Geometric analysis of an expandable reamer for treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head

"Advanced core decompression" (ACD) is a treatment option for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) that aims at complete removal of the necrotic tissue using a percutaneous expandable reamer and refilling of the head with an osteoconductive bone-graft substitute. The objective of this study was to evaluate if the success of ACD depends on the amount of necrotic tissue remaining after the procedure and how efficiently the necrotic tissue can be removed with the current reamer. Three-dimensional models of proximal femora including ONFH were generated from the preoperative MRIs of 50 patients who underwent ACD. Best-case removal was calculated by geometrical analysis. In 28 of 50 cases, postoperative MRI was used to determine how much necrotic tissue had been removed. Prognostic values and correlations were evaluated in order to assess success or failure of the treatment. The amount of preoperative and remaining necrosis correlates significantly with treatment failure. The larger both volumes are, the more likely it is that treatment will fail. In patients with remaining necrosis of less than 1000 mm(3), no treatment failure was observed. The amount of necrosis actually removed differed significantly from the amount calculated as the best possible result. Simulation of the removal procedure showed that complete removal is not possible. These results led to the conclusion that the success of ACD depends on the amount of necrotic tissue remaining in the femoral head after the procedure. Modifications to the instrument are necessary to increase the amount of necrotic tissue that can be removed.

Protective effects of total saponins of panax notoginseng on steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head in vivo and in vitro

This research was designed to investigate the protective effects of TSPN on steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) and the likely mechanisms of those effects. As an in vivo study, TSPN was shown to be protective against steroid-induced ANFH due to the upregulation of VEGF-A. Furthermore, TSPN attenuated the apoptosis of osteocytes and reduced the expression of Caspase-3 relative to the model group. As an in vitro study, TSPN exerted a concentration-dependent protective effect against apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells. Moreover, TSPN (at a dose of 100 μg/mL) significantly reversed the dexamethasone-induced augmentation of Caspase-3 expression and activity. Therefore, our study demonstrated that TSPN had a protective effect against steroid-induced ANFH that was related to the upregulation of VEGF-A and the inhibition of apoptosis and Caspase-3 activation.

Management of femoral head osteonecrosis: Current concepts

Osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) is a disabling condition of young individuals with ill-defined etiology and pathogenesis. Remains untreated, about 70-80% of the patients progress to secondary hip arthritis. Both operative and nonoperative treatments have been described with variable success rate. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key for success in preserving the hip joint. Once femoral head collapses (>2 mm) or if there is secondary degeneration, hip conservation procedures become ineffective and arthroplasty remains the only better option. We reviewed 157 studies that evaluate different treatment modalities of ONFH and then a final consensus on treatment was made.

Evidence for using alendronate to treat adult avascular necrosis of the femoral head: a systematic review

Osteonecrosis or avascular osteonecrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is a devastating multifactorial disease that affects 20 000 persons each year in the United States. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy and safety of alendronate for adult AVN during short- and long-term follow-up. Electronic databases were searched for randomized or nonrandomized clinical trials, cohort, case-control studies, and series of cases in which alendronate was used for treatment of adult AVN of the femoral head. Relevant articles with adequate data on reduction of pain, improvement of articular function, slowing of bone collapse progression, or need for total hip arthroplasty (THA) were included after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eight articles involving 788 hips with evidence level 1b to 3b were included in this systematic review. Most studies suggested a positive short-term efficacy of alendronate treatment in reducing pain, improving articular function, slowing of bone collapse progression, and delaying the need for THA for adult AVN patients. The favorable long-term results were also presented in those treated patients after 10-year follow-up. In addition, there were no severe adverse effects associated with alendronate treatment observed during short- and long-term follow-up, and most of the included studies suggested use of alendronate in early AVN with small necrotic lesion to achieve better outcomes. The findings support consideration of alendronate use for adult AVN, particularly with early stage and small necrotic size. The lack of large-scale, randomized, and double-blind studies justifies new studies to demonstrate the detailed indication and the optimized strategy of alendronate treatment. Level of evidence: Level 3a.

Midterm results of treating femoral head osteonecrosis with autogenous corticocancellous bone grafting

BACKGROUND

Appropriate treatment of osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) remains challenging.

OBJECTIVES

Here, we report the results of treating these patients with auto-corticocancellous bone graft from iliac crest to overcome the need for early total hip arthroplasty (THA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

There were 132 hips (96 patients) with ONFH. Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) type II and III underwent auto-corticocancellous bone grafting from the iliac crest in the current prospective study. Before the operation and in the final postoperative visit, the pain intensity using visual analogue scale (VAS), range of hip motions and Harris hip score (HHS) were determined and compared. Patients were followed for 48.5 ± 17.9 months.

RESULTS

The shape of head and the joint space were preserved in 120 hips (90.9%). There were 12 hips in which the disease progressed to grade IV and resulted in THA in 10 of them. The pain intensity significantly decreased (6.3 ± 4.1 vs. 1.4 ± 2) and HHS (35.8 ± 15.3 vs. 79.5 ± 16.2) and range of motion (ROM) significantly improved after the operation (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Necrotic bone removal and filling the femoral head cavity with auto-corticocancellous bone graft from iliac crest is an effective femoral head preserving method in treating patients with precollapse stages of ONFH and preventing the need for early THA, especially in young active populations.

Skeletal Blood Flow in Bone Repair and Maintenance

Bone is a highly vascularized tissue, although this aspect of bone is often overlooked. In this article, the importance of blood flow in bone repair and regeneration will be reviewed. First, the skeletal vascular anatomy, with an emphasis on long bones, the distinct mechanisms for vascularizing bone tissue, and methods for remodeling existing vasculature are discussed. Next, techniques for quantifying bone blood flow are briefly summarized. Finally, the body of experimental work that demonstrates the role of bone blood flow in fracture healing, distraction osteogenesis, osteoporosis, disuse osteopenia, and bone grafting is examined. These results illustrate that adequate bone blood flow is an important clinical consideration, particularly during bone regeneration and in at-risk patient groups.

Development of a new pre-vascularized tissue-engineered construct using pre-differentiated rADSCs, arteriovenous vascular bundle and porous nano-hydroxyapatide-polyamide 66 scaffold

Background

Development of a pre-vascularized tissue-engineered construct with intrinsic vascular system for cell growth and tissue formation still faces many difficulties due to the complexity of the vascular network of natural bone tissue. The present study was to design and form a new vascularized tissue-engineered construct using pre-differentiated rADSCs, arteriovenous vascular bundle and porous nHA-PA 66 scaffold.

Methods

rADSCs were pre-differentiated to endothelial cells (rADSCs-Endo) and then incorporated in nHA-PA 66 scaffolds in vitro. Subsequently, in vivo experiments were carried out according to the following groups: Group A (rADSCs-Endo/nHA-PA 66 scaffold with arteriovenous vascular bundle), Group B (rADSCs/nHA-PA 66 scaffold with arteriovenous vascular bundle); Group C (nHA-PA66 scaffold with arteriovenous vascular bundle), Group D (nHA-PA 66 scaffold only). The vessel density and vessel diameter were measured based on histological and immunohistochemical evaluation, furthermore, the VEGF-C, FGF-2 and BMP-2 protein expressions were also evaluated by western blot analysis.

Results

The results of in vivo experiments showed that the vessel density and vessel diameter in group A were significantly higher than the other three groups. Between Group B and C, no statistical difference was observed at each time point. In accordance with the results, there were dramatically higher expressions of VEGF-C and FGF-2 protein in Group A than that of Group B, C and D at 2 or 4 weeks. Statistical differences were not observed in VEGF-C and FGF-2 expression between Group B and C. BMP-2 was not expressed in any group at each time point.

Conclusions

Compared with muscular wrapping method, arteriovenous vascular bundle implantation could promote vascularization of the scaffold; and the angiogenesis of the scaffold was significantly accelerated when pre-differentiated rADSCs (endothelial differentiation) were added. These positive results implicate the combination of pre-differentiated rADSCs (endothelial differentiation) and arteriovenous vascular bundle may achieve rapidly angiogenesis of biomaterial scaffold.