Treatment of femoral head necrosis with vascularized iliac crest transplants

Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery-vascularized Iliac Bone Graft for Femoral Head Osteonecrosis: Computed Tomography Anatomical Study

BACKGROUND

 Deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA)-vascularized iliac graft transposition is a method for treating femoral head osteonecrosis but with inconsistent efficacy. We aim to improve the method of this surgery by recommending the optimal location of the iliac pedicle to satisfy the vascular length for transposition and the blood supply of the vascularized iliac graft.

METHODS

 The DCIA and its surrounding tissues were assessed on computed tomography angiography images for 100 sides (left and right) of 50 patients. The length of the vascular pedicle required for transposition and the length of the pedicle at different iliac spine positions were compared. The diameter and cross-sectional area of the DCIA and the distance between the DCIA and iliac spine were measured at different points to assess blood supply. We also compared differences in sex and left-right position.

RESULTS

 The diameter and cross-sectional area of the DCIA gradually decreased after crossing the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), and it approached the iliac bone. However, when the DCIA was 4 cm behind the ASIS (54 sides, 54%), it coursed posteriorly and superiorly away from the iliac spine. The vascular length of the pedicle was insufficient to transpose the vascularized iliac graft to the desired position when it was within 1 cm of the ASIS. The vascular length requirement was satisfied, and the blood supply was sufficient when the pedicle was positioned at 2 or 3 cm.

CONCLUSION

 To obtain a satisfactory pedicle length and sufficient blood supply, the DCIA pedicle of the vascularized iliac graft should be placed 2 to 3 cm behind the ASIS. The dissection of DCIA has slight differences in sex and left-right position due to anatomical differences.

The pandemic is gone but its consequences are here to stay: avascular necrosis following corticosteroids administration for severe COVID-19

BACKGROUND

In patients with COVID-19 infection and respiratory insufficiency, corticosteroid (CCS) administration is recommended. Among the wide range of complications and interactions, time-limited high-dose CCS administration might promote avascular necrosis (AVN) in a cumulative dose. This systematic review updated the current evidence and characterises the trend of AVN following time-limited high-dose CCS administration in patients who had severe COVID-19, discussing management strategies and outcomes.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted according to the 2020 PRISMA statement. In October 2023, the following databases were accessed: PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus restricting the search to the years 2019 to 2023. All the clinical studies which investigated the association between time-limited high-dose CCS administration in patients with severe COVID-19 infection and AVN were accessed.

RESULTS

A total of 245 patients (9 studies) who experienced AVN following COVID-19 were included in the present investigation. 26% (63 of 245 included patients) were women. The mean age of the patients was 42.9 ± 17.7 years. Four studies focused on AVN of the hip and two on the knee, and the other studies included patients with AVN from mixed areas of the body (spine, pelvis, and shoulder). The mean time elapsed from COVID-19 infection to the development of symptomatic AVN was 79.4 ± 59.2 days (range, 14 to 166 days).

CONCLUSION

It is possible that even time-limited high-dose CCS administration in patients with severe COVID-19 infection increased the incidence of AVN. The mean time elapsed from COVID-19 infection to the development of symptomatic AVN was approximately 80 days. Given the high risk of bias in all the included studies, the quality of recommendations of the present investigation is low, and no reliable conclusion can be inferred.

Prognostic factors in the management of osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Several hip preserving techniques have been described for the management of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). This systematic review identified prognostic factors in the treatment of ONFH that are associated with treatment failure and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study followed the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was conducted in November 2021. All clinical trials comparing two or more treatments for femoral head osteonecrosis were accessed. A multivariate analysis was performed to investigate the association between baseline characteristics and the surgical outcome. A multiple linear model regression analysis through the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) was used.

RESULTS

Data from 88 articles (6112 procedures) were retrieved. Female gender was associated with increased time to THA (P = 0.03) and reduced rate of THA (P = 0.03). Longer symptom duration before treatment was associated with shorter time to failure (P = 0.03). Increased pre-treatment VAS was associated with reduced time to failure (P = 0.03) and time to THA (P = 0.04). Reduced pre-treatment hip function was associated with increased rate of THA (P = 0.02) and failure (P = 0.005). Patient age and BMI, aetiology, time from surgery to full weight bearing and the side did not show evidence of a statistically significant association with the surgical outcome.

CONCLUSION

Male gender, longer symptom duration before treatment, higher VAS scores, and lower HHS scores were negative prognostic factors after treatment for osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Biomechanical research of medial femoral circumflex vascularized bone-grafting in the treatment of early-to-mid osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a finite element analysis

Purpose

Hip preservation therapy of early ONFH (Osteonecrosis of the femoral head) has emerged as one of the hot areas of research. We have optimized the procedure of traditional MFCVBG (medial femoral circumflex vascularized bone grafting) by using specialized surgical tools and used the finite element analysis to guide the implantation position of the bone flap during surgery and validate the biological mechanical stability of the modified MFCVBG.

Methods

This study was based on the data of a male patient with left hip (ARCO stage IIB, JIC type C) hormonal ONFH. Harris score (HHS), anteroposterior and lateral hip radiographs, frog position hip radiographs and SPECT/CT of femoral head flow imaging were performed postoperatively to evaluate clinical efficacy. The patient’s CT data were used to establish upper femur finite element model of the normal group, osteonecrosis group and postoperative group, respectively. The force on the femoral structure of each group was analyzed under four different loads in the gait cycle of 0.5 times the body weight (0.5 G, standing on two feet), 2.75 G (standing on one foot), 4 G (walking with the middle foot on the ground) and 7 G (walking with the toe off the ground) to validate the biological mechanical stability of the modified MFCVBG, predict femoral head collapse risk, simulate of the different healing conditions of postoperative bone flap, and analyze the postoperative effect of non-ideal surgical model.

Results

According to the follow-up results, the bone flap and the inner wall of decompression channel healed well, no osteonecrosis progression, no local collapse or micro-fracture occurred in the femoral head, and the articular surface was intact and the necrosis was well repaired. According to the result of the finite element analysis, compared with the osteonecrosis group, the overall stress and displacement peak of the upper femur and the cortical bone stress peak of the femoral head in the postoperative group and normal group were significantly reducing; modified MFCVBG can significantly improve the biomechanical stability of necrotic femoral head and reduce the risk of femoral head collapse; there was no obvious abnormal stress distribution in the greater trochanter and intertrochanter region after the flap was removed; the bone flap of the complete removal of necrotic focus + long bone flap group was directly placed at the bottom of the decompression passage, and the bone flap cortical bone can provide substantial mechanical support; in theory, patients can try to reduce the load with crutches or walking aids and carry out appropriate flat activities to effectively promote the early postoperative recovery.

Conclusions

The modified MFCVBG resulted in good efficacy, safety and feasibility. The necrotic focus should be completely removed during the operation, and the long bone flap should be placed directly under the subchondral bone. For patients with better bone healing ability, a more positive attitude can be taken to promote early postoperative weight-bearing.

LINC00473-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells incorporated thermosensitive PLGA hydrogel transplantation for steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head: A detailed mechanistic study and validity evaluation

The pathogenesis of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) involves a glucocorticoid-induced imbalance of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, and apoptosis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). An increasing number of genes, especially noncoding RNAs, have been implicated in the function of BMSCs. Our previous studies have confirmed the key role of LINC00473 and miR-23a-3p on the osteogenic, adipogenic differentiation, and apoptosis of BMSCs. However, the underlying mechanism of this process is still unclear. Based on bioinformatics analysis, here we investigated the effects of LINC00473 on the LRP5/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the osteogenesis and adipogenesis of BMSCs, as well as the PEBP1/Akt/Bad/Bcl-2 signaling pathway in dexamethasone- (Dex-) induced apoptosis of BMSCs. Our data showed that LINC00473 could promote osteogenesis and suppress the adipogenesis of BMSCs through the activation of the miR-23a-3p/LRP5/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway axis, while rescuing BMSCs from Dex-induced apoptosis by activating the miR-23a-3p/PEBP1/Akt/Bad/Bcl-2 signaling pathway axis. Notably, we observed that LINC00473 interacted with miR-23a-3p in an Argonaute 2 (AGO2)-dependent manner based on dual-luciferase reporter assay, AGO2-related RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA antisense purification assay. Furthermore, injectable thermosensitive polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) hydrogel loaded with rat-derived BMSCs (rBMSCs) modified by LINC00473 were used for the treatment of SONFH in a rat model. Our results demonstrated that PLGA hydrogels provided a suitable environment for harboring rBMSCs. Besides, transplantation of PLGA hydrogels loaded with rBMSCs modified by LINC00473 could significantly promote the bone repair and reconstruction of the necrotic area at the femoral head in our SONFH rat model. Surprisingly, compared with the transplantation of BMSCs alone, the transplanted rBMSCs encapsulated within the PLGA hydrogel could migrate from the medullary cavity to the femoral head. In summary, LINC00473 promoted osteogenesis, inhibited adipogenesis, and antagonized Dex-induced apoptosis of BMSCs. Therefore, LINC00473 could provide a new strategy for the treatment of SONFH.

Long-term outcome of vascularized iliac bone grafting for osteonecrosis of femoral head: A retrospective study with 17-year follow-up

AIMS

This study aims to investigate the long-term results of vascularized iliac bone grafting (VIBG) for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). The primary outcome is the long-term survivorship of VIBG, using conversion to total hip arthroplasty as an end-point. Secondly, this study will also analyse the patient or disease factors influencing the long-term survivorship of VIBG.

METHODS

Forty-two patients (50 hips) underwent VIBG for ONFH in our institute between September 1995 and November 2013. Only patients with a follow-up of at least 5 years were included. The risk factors, surgical complications and VIBG survivorship were recorded. The stage of ONFH was classified according to the Ficat staging of the pre-operative radiographs. VIBG was only performed to patients with ONFH of Ficat stage II and stage III. Patients with hip arthritis (Ficat stage IV) did not receive VIBG and thus excluded from the study. Long-term survivorship of VIBG is measured by conversion to total hip arthroplasty.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight hips (56%) had surviving VIBG for the duration of follow-up. The overall mean graft survival was 12.2 ± 7.8 years (0.4-24.0). Steroid and alcohol-induced osteonecrosis were more predominant in the graft-failure group, which had a hazard ratio of 2.33 and 2.07 respectively for graft failure (p = 0.047). In terms of complication, there was one case of groin wound infection which required surgical debridement.

CONCLUSION

At a long-term follow-up of 17 years, our results showed that VIBG is effective in treating patients with pre-collapse (Ficat Stage II) and early post-collapse (Ficat stage III) in ONFH. Alcoholics and patients with steroid are at a higher risk of graft failure, so VIBG should be performed cautiously in these patients. VIBG is an intermediate operation until osteoarthritis sets in, either by the progression of ONFH or natural degenerative change.

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.

Japanese Orthopaedic Association 2019 Guidelines for osteonecrosis of the femoral head

PURPOSE

The Clinical Practice Guidelines for Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head (ONFH) 2019 Edition, written by the working group for ONFH guidelines of the Japanese Investigation Committee (JIC) for ONFH under the auspices of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare and endorsed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, were published in Japanese in October 2019. The objective of this guideline is to provide a support tool for decision-making between doctors and patients.

METHODS

Procedures for developing this guideline were based on the Medical Information Network Distribution Service Handbook for Clinical Practice Guideline Development 2014, which proposed an appropriate method for preparing clinical guidelines in Japan.

RESULTS

This clinical practice guideline consists of 7 chapters: epidemiology; pathology; diagnosis; conservative therapy; surgical treatment: bone transplantation/cell therapy; surgical treatment: osteotomy; and surgical treatment: hip replacement. Twelve background questions and 13 clinical questions were determined to define the basic features of the disease and to be addressed when deciding treatment in daily practice, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical practice guidelines for the ONFH 2019 edition will be useful for physicians, investigators, and medical staff in clinical practice, as well as for patients, during the decision-making process when defining how to treat ONFH.

Hip survival rate in the patients with avascular necrosis of femoral head after transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text

Background:

The clinical outcome of transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy (TRO) for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) remains controversial, and the promising clinical results of several Japanese studies could not be reproduced in American and European studies. Trying to solve controversies on TRO for ONFH rising from apparently conflicting studies, a meta-analysis was conducted to assess the 5- and 10-year hip survival rates (with conversion to artificial joint replacement and radiographic failure as endpoints) after TRO.

Methods:

All eligible studies were searched in seven comprehensive databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, VIP Database, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, and Wan Fang Database prior to June 2019. The outcomes evaluated were 5- and 10-year hip survival rates after TRO. The odds ratio and risk difference for the non-comparative binary data with the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each outcome. The included studies were assessed for methodologic bias and potential reasons for heterogeneity were explored.

Results:

Nineteen studies of TRO for ONFH were eligible for this meta-analysis according to inclusion criteria. Based on the previous report, two calculation methods (Methods 1 and 2) were adopted in this meta-analysis. Furthermore, we performed a sub-group analysis of the 5- and 10-year hip survival rates (Method 1) after TRO for ONFH: Asian sub-population and non-Asian sub-population. Taking conversion to artificial joint replacement as the endpoint, 5- and 10-year hip survival rates (Method 1) after TRO for ONFH in the Asian population were 0.86 (95% CI = 0.82–0.89) and 0.72 (95% CI = 0.65–0.78), respectively, and 5- and 10-year hip survival rates after TRO for ONFH in the non-Asian population were 0.55 (95% CI = 0.43–0.67) and 0.42 (95% CI = 0.28–0.55), respectively. The 5- and 10-year hip survival rates (Method 2) after TRO for ONFH were 0.90 (95% CI = 0.79–0.95) and 0.89 (95% CI = 0.81–0.94), respectively. Taking radiographic failure as the endpoint, 5- and 10-year hip survival rates after TRO for ONFH were 0.70 (95% CI = 0.64–0.76) and 0.53 (95% CI = 0.46–0.61), respectively.

Conclusions:

The 5- and 10-year hip survival rates after TRO for ONFH were satisfactory in the Asian population, and were acceptable in the non-Asian population despite high early failure rates.

Correlational analysis between neutrophil granulocyte levels and osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Background

The correlation between peripheral blood neutrophil level and osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) has not been extensively studied. Thus, we aimed to investigate the correlation between neutrophil level in the peripheral blood (neutrophil granulocyte) and ONFH.

Methods

A total of 984 cases of ONFH and femoral neck fractures (non-ONFH) diagnosed at the Department of Orthopedics at our institution between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The ONFH and non-ONFH groups comprised 488 and 496 cases, respectively. Basic information and peripheral blood cell levels of the two groups were compared.

Results

The patients’ mean age was 59.89 ± 17.06 years (range: 38–82 years). There were 457 male and 527 female patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.15. We found that neutrophil granulocyte levels and percentage of neutrophil granulocytes were significantly different between the ONFH and non-ONFH groups. Multimodal regression analysis showed that the percentage of neutrophil granulocytes was an independent protective factor against ONFH.

Conclusions

The factors influencing ONFH are neutrophil granulocyte levels and percentage of neutrophil granulocytes. Percentage of neutrophil granulocytes has a significant correlation with aseptic femoral head necrosis, providing a new perspective and direction for further study of femoral head necrosis.

Vascularized pedicle iliac bone grafts as a hip-preserving surgery for femur head necrosis: a systematic review

Background

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head was gradually concerned as a global disease for its progression to collapse of the femoral head, ultimately causing the arthritic change. Due to the high incidence of this disease in young people, arthroplasty tends to be suspected for its uncertain long-term efficiency. Vascularized pedicle iliac bone grafts, as a hip-preserving surgery, were regarded as an effective option in hip-preserving protocol since the 1970s. Nevertheless, there exist no unified standards widely agreed as the optimal operative program since the lack and heterogeneity of related studies. Thus, we execute this systematic review to synthesize and analyze existing studies, and further suggest a direction of future researches.

Methods

Data were collected by searching electronic database (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) and including the eligible studies of all types of clinical researches except case report. Through our extraction and synthesis of included study results in respect of clinical evaluation (rating scales), radiographic evaluation, joint survival rate, viability of implanted flap, and complications by transform varied assessment method into a unified standard, we qualitatively analyze and discuss the efficacy of VPIBG according to the quality of individual study and the heterogeneity across the included studies.

Results

Our systematic review includes 1 RCT, 2 case-control studies, and 13 case series studies, resulting in a significant improvement of postoperative scores. Minority of hips progressed for joint replacement. Some researches suggested a high collapse rate in the collapsed femoral head before the operation. Compared with some other hip-preserving surgeries, the complications of VPIBG are relatively slight and barely affect clinical efficiency.

Conclusions

A better clinic response was obtained after this treatment, especially in femoral heads before the appearance of a crescent sign. The fixation of the implanted iliac bone flap increases the clinical effect. The majority of complications were slight and rarely affected clinical efficacy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13018-019-1262-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Treatment of trauma-induced femoral head necrosis with biodegradable pure Mg screw-fixed pedicle iliac bone flap

Introduction

The avascular necrosis of the femoral head represents the death of bone tissue due to the lack of blood supply. The disease has a progressive evolution; it leads to femoral head collapse and severe arthritis when left untreated. The application of a pedicled bone flap graft is an effective treatment for femoral head necrosis. A pure Mg screw is a kind of degradable screw that can fix the grafted bone flap and prevent long-term stress occlusion and secondary dissection.

Case presentation

The report shows the results of the treatment of traumatic femoral head necrosis with a pedicled bone flap with pure Mg screw. A patient had avascular necrosis of the femoral head after 2 years of internal fixation of the femoral neck fracture. We removed the patient's internal fixation hollow nail, cleaned the necrotic bone tissue and took part of the same ipsilateral pedicle iliac bone graft in the femoral head defect with biodegradable pure Mg screw fixation. Within 2 years after the surgery, the patients had no significant progressive necrosis of the femoral head. Postoperative Harris scores showed that the patient's left hip function was significantly improved compared with his preoperative state. The pure Mg screw in the body had gradually degraded. After 2 years, the screw's diameter had been significantly reduced compared with 3 days after the surgery. The postoperative Harris score showed that the patient's left hip function was significantly improved compared with the second preoperative examination.

Discussion

The discussion includes the reasons for the choices of surgical approaches, the mode of pure Mg screw degradation and the postoperative functional assessment of the patient's left hip.

Conclusion

Pure Mg screw fixation pedicled bone flap transplantation is an effective surgical treatment for femoral head necrosis in young patients. Pure Mg screw is a biodegradable internal fixation device with good biocompatibility, which has a good clinical application prospects.

The translational potential of this article

Degradable pure Mg screw has the potential to preserve hip joint therapy for the treatment of femoral head necrosis.

Total hip arthroplasty after failed transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy for osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported regarding total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteonecrosis of the femoral head after failed transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy (TRO). However, to our knowledge, no formal systematic review and meta-analysis have been published yet summarizing the clinical results of a THA after failed TRO. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the THA outcomes after failed TRO. We focussed on the issue whether a previous TRO affects the results of subsequent THA, including operative time, operative blood loss, radiological parameters, postoperative complications, and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Literatures published up to January 2018 were searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, and the pooling of data was performed using a RevMan software (version 5.3, Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). A p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. We calculated the mean differences (MD) for continuous data and the odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous data with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each outcome. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed based on I² using the standard Chi². When I²>50%, significant heterogeneity was assumed, and a random-effects model was applied for the meta-analysis. A fixed-effects model was applied in the absence of significant heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Five studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that operative time was significantly longer in the THA after the TRO than that for the THA without previous osteotomy (I²=92%; MD=31.62; 95% CI: 5.95 to 57.28; p=0.02). Operative blood loss was significantly greater in the THA after the TRO than that in the THA without previous osteotomy (I²=71%; MD=123.30; 95% CI: 22.21 to 224.39; p=0.02). The rate of stem malalignment was significantly higher in the THA after the TRO than that in the THA without previous osteotomy (I²=0%; OR=5.23, 95% CI: 1.95 to 14.06; p=0.001). There was no significant difference in the dislocation rate (I²=0%; OR=2.12; 95% CI: 0.64 to 6.99; p=0.22), and the postoperative Harris hip score at the final follow-up (I²=75%, MD=-0.46, 95% CI: -3.92 to 3.01, p=0.80) between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate that, performing the THA after the TRO is technically more demanding than the THA without previous osteotomy. TRO does not affect the clinical results of future THA, and is a sufficient therapeutic alternative in younger patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, systematic and meta-analysis of case control studies.

Management of osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A novel technique

BACKGROUND

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a debilitating disease in orthopedics, frequently progressing to femoral head collapse and osteoarthritis. It is thought to be a multifactorial disease. ONFH ultimately results in femoral head collapse in 75-85% of untreated patients. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) yields satisfactory results in the treatment of the end stage of the disease. However, disease typically affects males between the ages of 20 and 40 years and joint replacement is not the ideal option for younger patients. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells and platelet rich plasma (PRP) have been used as an adjunct to core decompression to improve clinical success in the treatment of precollapse hips.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study of 40 hips in 30 patients was done. There were 19 males and 11 females with a mean age 36.7 ± 6.93 years. The indication for the operation was restricted primarily to modified Ficat stages IIb and III. 16 hips (40%) had stage IIb and 24 hips (60%) had stage III ONFH. The period of follow up ranged between 36-50 months with a mean 41.4 ± 3.53 months. All patients were assessed clinically during pre- and post-operative period according to the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Visual Analog Score (VAS) and radiologically by X-rays. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done preoperatively to confirm the diagnosis and every 6 months postoperatively for assessment of healing. The operative procedure include removal of necrotic area with drilling then the cavity was filled with a composite of bone graft mixed with PRP.

RESULTS

The mean HHS improved from 46.0 ± 7.8 preoperatively to 90.28 ± 19 at the end of followup (P < 0.0001). The mean values of VAS were 78 ± 21 and 35 ± 19 at preoperatively period and final followup, respectively, with an average reduction of 43 points.

CONCLUSION

We found that the use of PRP with collagen sheet can increase the reparable capacity after drilling of necrotic segment in stage IIb and III ONFH.

Treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head with vascularized bone grafting

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a challenging diagnosis for the patient and treating surgeon. Though its cause is poorly understood, several methods of surgical treatment exist and are performed with variable success. Vascularized bone grafting is one such treatment that attempts to restore viable bone, structural support, and blood supply to the avascular portion of the femoral head. This review summarizes the various approaches to this technique that have been proposed and put into practice. The cost effectiveness of these procedures, both in time and resources, has been evaluated and found to be favorable. The use of revascularization procedures, along with the introduction of other potentiating factors, may signal an exciting future for this debilitating disease process.

Conservative surgery for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head: current options

The prevention of femoral head collapse and the maintenance of hip function would represent a substantial achievement in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head; however it is difficult to identify appropriate treatment protocols to manage patients with pre-collapse avascular necrosis in order to obtain a successful outcome in joint preserving procedures. Conservative treatments, including pharmacological management and biophysical modalities, are not supported by any evidence and require further investigation. The appropriate therapeutic approach has not been identified. The choice of surgical procedures is based on patient clinical conditions and anatomopathological features; preservation of the femoral head by core decompression may be attempted in younger patients without head collapse. Biological factors, such as bone morphogenetic proteins and bone marrow stem cells, would improve the outcome of core decompression. Another surgical procedure proposed for the treatment of avascular necrosis consists of large vascularized cortical bone grafts, but its use is not yet common due to surgical technical issues. Use of other surgical technique, such as osteotomies, is controversial, since arthroplasty is considered as the first option in case of severe femoral head collapse without previous intervention.

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.

Xenoimplantation of an extracellular-matrix-derived, biphasic, cell-scaffold construct for repairing a large femoral-head high-load-bearing osteochondral defect in a canine model

This study was aimed to develop an ECM-derived biphasic scaffold and to investigate its regeneration potential loaded with BM-MSCs in repair of large, high-load-bearing osteochondral defects of the canine femoral head. The scaffolds were fabricated using cartilage and bone ECM as a cartilage and bone layer, respectively. Osteochondral constructs were fabricated using induced BM-MSCs and the scaffold. Osteochondral defects (11 mm diameter × 10 mm depth) were created on femoral heads of canine and treated with the constructs. The repaired tissue was evaluated for gross morphology, radiography, histological, biomechanics at 3 and 6 months after implantation. Radiography revealed that femoral heads slightly collapsed at 3 months and severely collapsed at 6 months. Histology revealed that some defects in femoral heads were repaired, but with fibrous tissue or fibrocartilage, and femoral heads with different degrees of collapse. The bone volume fraction was lower for subchondral bone than normal femoral bone at 3 and 6 months. Rigidity was lower in repaired subchondral bone than normal femoral bone at 6 months. The ECM-derived, biphasic scaffold combined with induced BM-MSCs did not successfully repair large, high-load-bearing osteochondral defects of the canine femoral head. However, the experience can help improve the technique of scaffold fabrication and vascularization.

Treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head by using the greater trochanteric bone flap with double vascular pedicles

The use of the bone flap transfer has been reported to be successful in treatment of patients with early to medium stage (Ficat and Arlet stage I-III) osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). We examined the vascular anatomy and blood supply of the greater trochanter area and evaluated the feasibility of revascularization of the femoral head by using the bone flap pedicled with transverse and gluteus medius branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. Based on the anatomy study, from January 2002 to May 2004, 32 ONFH patients were treated with the greater trochanteric bone flap pedicled with double blood vessels. Fifteen femoral heads were Ficat and Arlet stage II and 17 were stage III. The mean follow-up was 99.5 months. Two of the 32 patients required a total hip replacement due to severe hip pain after surgery. The overall Harris hip score improved from a mean of 55.2 points to 85 points. Our data suggest the procedure is relatively easy to perform, less donor-site morbidity and useful for young patients with stages II to III disease with or without mild collapse of the femoral head.

Tantalum rod implantation and vascularized iliac grafting for osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a progressive disease. Without operative intervention, it most often results in collapse and deterioration of the joint. Many joint-preserving surgeries have been implemented, but no uniform treatment exists. The authors report a modified technique of tantalum rod implantation combined with vascularized iliac grafting for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Fifty-two patients (56 hips) with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (Association Research Circulation Osseous classification stage II-IV) treated with this technique were retrospectively reviewed. The major steps of this technique included vascularized iliac graft harvested, necrotic lesion excised, and combined interventions implantation. All patients were followed for a mean of 60 months. Seven hips had to be converted to a total hip arthroplasty. The 5-year joint-preserving success rate of entire group was 87.5%, with 95% for Association Research Circulation Osseous stage II hips, 92% for Association Research Circulation Osseous stage III hips, and 63.6% for Association Research Circulation Osseous stage IV hips. The success rate was lower for stage IV hips compared with stage II and III hips. Mean Harris Hip score of the 49 hips improved significantly from 50 to 91 points. Forty-three (76.8%) of 56 hips remained stable on radiographs. The technique of tantalum rod implantation combined with vascularized iliac grafting may be an effective joint-preserving method for the treatment of intermediate-stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head. A larger group of patients that is compared with a control group is necessary to further research.

Vascularized the greater trochanter grafting treatment cysts of the femoral neck

Bone cyst is a common benign bone tumor lesion, it is characterized by a clear boundary appearing round or oval osteolytic area, cortical bone thinning, and sometimes it can be visible sclerotic margin. Limb long bone cysts occur more common shares, the current jaw bone cysts are also relatively common, and most patients are asymptomatic. Femoral neck bone cyst can lead to pain and pathologic fractures, which is one of the main reasons why patients are in treatment. Due to the lesion site and patients age specificity of femoral proximal bone cysts especially femoral neck bone cysts in young adults, treatment is necessary to completely remove the lesion to prevent cyst recurrence, but also as far as possible to restore function in patients with hip joint.

Analysis of long-term outcomes of double-strut bone graft for osteonecrosis of the femoral head

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the long-term effect of double-strut bone graft for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).

METHODS

A total of 366 adult patients with ONFH in 466 hips underwent double-strut bone graft from March 1988 to January 1999. Of them, 186 patients with 206 hips and an average age of 32.2 years (range, 20-60 years) were followed up for more than five years, up to January 2006. Based on the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) classification, there were 36 hips in stage IIB, and 30, 40, 40, 32 and 28 in stage IIC, IIIA, IIIB, IIIC and IV, respectively. The functional results of affected hips were evaluated by the hundred forked method.

RESULTS

Hip pain in all patients disappeared or alleviated greatly after the operation. The height of the femoral head improved to various extents, and the range of motion of the hip joint increased. The patients were followed up for 5-16 years, (average 10.5 years). The total scores increased significantly postoperatively (P < 0.01). The rate of excellent and good results was 83.3%, 80.0%, 75.0%, 65.0%, 40.6% and 28.6% in stage IIB, IIC, IIIA, IIIB, IIIC and IV, respectively (63.6% for the whole group).

CONCLUSION

The long-term effect of double-strut bone graft for ONFH is satisfactory in relation to staging of ONFH. Favorable results can be expected in young ONFH patients in stage IIB, IIC, and IIIA, IIIB.

Will a vascularized greater trochanter graft preserve the necrotic femoral head?

BACKGROUND

Various head-preserving procedures have been used for young patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) to avert the need for THA. However, none of these techniques are accepted universally because of the technical difficulties, complications, or mixed results that often are difficult to reproduce.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We describe a technique using vascularized bone grafting for treating ONFH in Stages II-IV (Ficat and Arlet) disease, describe our indications, and report the survival of this technique and the functional scores.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 191 patients (195 hips) who underwent vascularized greater trochanter grafting for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (Ficat and Arlet Stages II-IV) from 1995 to 2006. The mean age of the patients was 44 years (range, 19-59 years). The minimum followup was 2 years (mean, 8 years; range, 2-11 years).

RESULTS

Twenty patients (23 hips) had conversion surgery to THA. The mean Harris hip scores for the patients who did not have conversion surgery to THA improved from 53 to 88 points. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed no difference in the 11-year survival rate between patients with Stage II and Stage III disease (THA as an end point). However, the survival rate was lower for patients with Stage IV disease compared with patients with Stages II and III disease. The survival rate for patients in the steroid group was lower compared with the rates for patients in the idiopathic, alcoholic, trauma, and hyperlipidemia groups. At last followup, the stage of necrosis remained unchanged in 118 hips.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe vascularized greater trochanter bone grafting is appropriate for young selected patients with mild to moderate collapse of the femoral head.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Vascularized iliac bone-grafting for osteonecrosis with segmental collapse of the femoral head

BACKGROUND

Vascularized iliac bone-grafting has been reported to be successful for patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. However, its benefit in patients with segmental collapse of the femoral head has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of vascularized iliac grafting in osteonecrotic femoral heads with segmental collapse.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed thirty-three hips in thirty-two patients in whom an osteonecrotic femoral head with segmental collapse (Association Research Circulation Osseous [ARCO] stage IIIA [<2-mm collapse] or stage IIIB [2 to 4-mm collapse]) had been treated with vascularized iliac bone-grafting between 1994 and 1999. The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was thirty-seven years. Twenty-six patients (twenty-seven hips) overused alcohol, five patients (five hips) had no known risk factor, and one patient (one hip) used corticosteroids for refractory bronchial asthma. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Harris hip score. We defined clinical failure as conversion to total hip replacement for any reason and radiographic failure as progressive femoral head collapse or secondary osteoarthritis of the involved hip.

RESULTS

At the conclusion of the study, only eight (24%) of the thirty-three hips were preserved. The mean survival time for the series as a whole was seventy-four months (95% confidence interval, fifty-four to ninety-five months) after the surgery. Eighteen of the twenty-six ARCO stage-IIIA hips were converted to a total hip replacement, and the mean survival time for the stage-IIIA hips was eighty-five months (95% confidence interval, sixty-one to 108 months). All of the seven ARCO stage-IIIB hips were converted to a total hip replacement, and the mean survival time for the stage-IIIB hips was thirty-five months (95% confidence interval, eleven to fifty-eight months). The mean Harris hip score for the eight hips that still survived at the time of follow-up had improved from 62 points to 80 points. However, all of them had progressive collapse of the femoral head-i.e., radiographic failure-at the time of final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Vascularized iliac bone-grafting with use of the technique described in this study is not indicated for the treatment of osteonecrotic femoral heads with segmental collapse.

Systematic analysis of classification systems for osteonecrosis of the femoral head

BACKGROUND

Multiple classification systems for osteonecrosis of the hip have been developed to assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of this potentially debilitating disorder. The purpose of this analysis was to delineate the classification systems utilized in reports published since 1985 and, through a comparison of the most commonly used systems, to identify consistent factors that would allow for cross-publication comparisons to be made.

METHODS

We performed a PubMed search for reports of outcome studies concerning treatment methods for osteonecrosis of the hip. All studies of reported outcomes with greater than ten patients were included in the analysis. Various classification systems were tabulated to determine usage frequencies. The four most commonly used systems were then analyzed to determine common factors used for classification.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-seven studies were available for analysis. Sixteen major classification systems that made use of more than one radiographic factor were identified, and nine of these systems had one to five modifications reported throughout the literature. Additionally, eleven other systems made use of single factors obtained from either magnetic resonance imaging or anatomic data. The review revealed that four classification systems accounted for greater than 85.4% of the reported studies. Parameters for these four systems were stratified to allow for uniformity of patient or study evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis of the reported classification systems for osteonecrosis of the femoral head revealed several similarities between the most commonly used systems. An analysis of patients can be made with any of the four major systems if specific data are collected according to various magnetic resonance imaging and radiographic findings. This approach will allow for easier comparison of studies across different centers.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions to Authors on jbjs.org for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head: ten years later

The etiology of osteonecrosis of the hip may have a genetic basis. The interaction between certain risk factors and a genetic predisposition may determine whether this disease will develop in a particular individual. The rationale for use of joint-sparing procedures in the treatment of this disease is based on radiographic measurements and findings with other imaging modalities. Early diagnosis and intervention prior to collapse of the femoral head is key to a successful outcome of joint-preserving procedures. The results of joint-preserving procedures are less satisfactory than the results of total hip arthroplasty for femoral heads that have already collapsed. New pharmacological measures as well as the use of growth and differentiation factors for the prevention and treatment of this disease may eventually alter our treatment approach, but it is necessary to await results of clinical research with long-term follow-up of these patients.

Vascularised bone grafts for the management of non-union

Non-union of the long bones may have severe consequences, particularly when combined with other post-traumatic sequelae, such as tendon adhesions, reflex sympathetic dystrophy and infection, among others. In these cases, it is important to treat the delayed union or non-union first or at the same time with the other problems in order to achieve adequate function. Once the normal bony healing process has been slowed or stopped, it is necessary to provide both stability to the fracture site, as well as a biological stimulus for the fibrocartilagenous callus to finish the healing process. Vascularised grafts, such as the free fibula, offer not only structural support, but also promote bone healing. The later is achieved by trabecular bone formation, as well as vascular sprouting from pedicle vessels.

Iliac graft vascularization for femoral head osteonecrosis

We determined the long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of patients with osteonecrosis treated with a combination of autologous cancellous bone impaction and pedicled iliac bone block transfer perfused by the ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery. We retrospectively reviewed 197 patients (226 hips) operated on from 1985-1998 who had a mean age of 38 years (range, 19-65 years) and an average followup of 12.5 years (range, 6-19 years). Fourteen hips (13 patients) (6%) had conversion to a total hip arthroplasty because of progressive collapse, severe pain, or both. Of the remaining 212 reconstructions, 195 hips were clinically successful (92%), and 76% were radiographically successful. The postoperative Harris hip score substantially improved in the patients without hip failure. Successful results were achieved in 96% of the patients with Ficat and Arlet Stage II osteonecrosis, 90% with Stage III osteonecrosis, and 57% with Stage IV osteonecrosis. Good results were obtained in 94% of the patients younger than 45 years. Our data suggest the method is useful for treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head only in active symptomatic patients with good integrity of hip cartilage and Stages II or III osteonecrosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Hinged distraction of the adolescent arthritic hip

From 1996 to 2000, 11 adolescents with hip joint arthritis secondary to osteonecrosis or idiopathic chondrolysis were treated with articulated hinged distraction arthroplasty. Indications for surgery were severe pain and limited ambulation. Charts and radiographs were reviewed. Clinical status was assessed preoperatively and at latest follow-up (mean 4.8 years after surgery) using criteria of pain, range of motion, and ambulation level. Ten patients showed improved clinical status, with seven having an excellent outcome and three a good outcome. One patient failed distraction. Mean joint space was 2.6 mm before surgery and 4.8 mm at latest follow-up. Average duration of fixator use was 4.4 months. Four patients (36.4%) had complications. Articulated hip distraction was effective in eliminating pain, improving function, and preventing progressive degenerative changes in young patients' hips. It should be considered a salvage procedure for arthritic hips and an alternative to arthrodesis in this difficult-to-treat group of patients.

Treatment of femoral head necrosis with free vascularized fibula grafting: a preliminary report

Since October 2000, 56 hips in 48 patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head were treated with free vascularized fibular transplants. The average follow-up was about 16 months. The Harris hip scores of all stages were improved during follow-up. Most femoral heads showed improvement (39 hips, 69.6%) or were at least unchanged (14 hips, 25.0%) on X-rays. The results show that a free vascularized fibular graft would be a valuable procedure for femoral head necrosis. By this method, we can avoid or delay progress of the disease, and improve the function of the hip and quality of life.

Évolution anatomo-radiographique des nécroses avasculaires de la tête fémorale traitées par transplant fibulaire vascularisé

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

We report our experience with vascularized fibular transplant using the technique described by Urbaniak for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixteen patients, mean age 39 years 4 months at surgery, were evaluated at mean 3 years 6 months follow-up (minimum 15 months). Mean pain score (analog visual scale) was 6.25/10. Mean Postel-Merle-d'Aubigné (PMA) function score was 12. The Ficat classification was grade 2A (n=9) or grade 2B (n=7).

RESULTS

There were no cases of infection or migration of the fibula. The only complication at the donor site was one case of paresia of the long extensor of the hallux which resolved spontaneously. There were five failures which required a hip prosthesis (31%). Three failures occurred early during the first 18 months. Two were late. These patients had grade 2B (n=4) or grade 2A (n=1) necrosis. At last follow-up, eleven hips had not required prosthetic revision (69%). The pain score improved in 81% of patients: mean score=2.3. Nine patients were satisfied or very satisfied (81%). Among these eleven hips, function was good or excellent in eight (72%). Walking distance was improved in nine patients, unchanged in one and worse in one. Joint motion improved in nine patients, was unchanged in one and decreased in one. Nine patients resumed their full-time job. Mean sick leave was 13.3 months. Radiographically, only two of the initial Ficat grade 2A hips remained at this stage. Likewise only one of the three hips initially rated grade 2B remained at this stage. Overall radiographic results were: failure (n=5), worsening (n=9), stabilization and no improvement (n=2). Among the nine 2A hips, one was converted to a total hip prosthesis and five femoral heads remained spheric. Among the seven 2B hips, four were converted to a total hip prosthesis and two femoral heads collapsed.

DISCUSSION

At mean follow-up (3.5 years), 69% of the hips had not required total hip arthroplasty. The grade 2A hips did better but the small sample size did not allow statistical comparison. There was a clear discordance between the clinical presentation and the radiographic findings among the hips which were not treated with a prosthesis: good function score, maintained occupational and daily life activities contrasting with unfavorable radiographic evolution. Results could be improved by detailed quantification of the lesion using 3D imaging and by associating intraoperative navigation.

[Allografts in reconstruction of osseous defects in primary malignant bone tumors]

Reconstruction of large bone defects due to resection of musculoskeletal tumors can be performed with various types of massive homologous allografts. In combination with endoprostheses (composite allografts), various types of osteosyntheses, or autogenous vascularized grafts (most often the fibula), individual adaptation with respect to location, stability, and function is possible. In the elderly most often reconstruction with massive endoprostheses is performed; however, in younger patients limb-saving procedures using autologous material (e.g., rotationplasties) is the most acceptable procedure. Although allografts are of advantage with respect to better anatomic adaptation and thereby to function, the surgeon should be aware of potential drawbacks, especially late complications (fractures, graft resorption, and infection).

Treatment of femoral head osteonecrosis using bone impaction grafting

Even in extensive osteonecrosis of the femoral head in younger patients, a femoral head-preserving method is preferable. We developed a new technique using the lateral approach as used in traditional core biopsy; the osteonecrotic lesion was removed and impacted bone grafts were used to regain sphericity and prevent collapse. In this prospective one surgeon study, we included 28 consecutive hips in 27 patients with extensive osteonecrotic lesions (ARCO classification Stage 2 [11 hips], Stage 3 [14 hips]; and Stage 4 [three hips]); 14 hips had preoperative collapse. The mean age of the patients was 33 years (range, 15-55 years). At a mean followup of 42 months (range, 24-119 months), eight hips (29%) were converted to a total hip arthroplasty (THA). Of the 20 reconstructions that were in situ, 18 were clinically successful (90%) and 70% were radiologically successful. Patients who were younger than 30 years at surgery had a radiologically significant better outcome, even patients with higher stages of osteonecrosis. Patients with preoperative collapse and use of corticosteroids had disappointing results. This method is attractive as a salvage procedure, is relatively simple and quick, and it does not interfere with an eventual future hip arthroplasty.

Mosaicplasty for the treatment of femoral head defect after incorrect resorbable screw insertion

Articular cartilage lesions and osteochondral defects remain a difficult problem for the patient and physician. A variety of procedures and treatments have been proposed to lessen symptoms and restore the articular surface. The knee joint has been the focus of the vast majority of these cartilage restoration procedures. Osteochondral defects of the proximal femur are significantly less common, and their management remains poorly defined. This article reports the case of a young man with a deep osteochondral defect of the femoral head caused by penetrated resorbable screw after internal fixation of a displaced large single fragment of the posterior acetabular rim and subsequent treatment using mosaicplasty.

'Hip' pain

'Hip' pain is usually located in the groin, upper thigh or buttock and is a common complaint. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis, avascular femoral head necrosis and apophyseal avulsion are the most common diagnoses in childhood and adolescents. Strains and fractures are common in sport-active adults. Osteoarthritis occurs in middle-aged and older adults. Trauma may result in femoral head fracture or typical muscle and tendon sprains and bursitis. Septic or inflammatory arthritis can occur at every age. Septic arthritis, fractures and acute epiphyseal slipping are real emergency cases. Congenital dysplasia of the hip joint may lead to labral tears and early osteoarthritis. The most important hip problems in children, adolescents, adult and older people are discussed; these problems originate from intra-articular disorders and the surrounding extra-articular soft tissues. Medical history, clinical examination and additional tests, including imaging, will be demonstrated. Principles of treatment are given for specific disorders.