Arterial Topographic Anatomy Near the Femoral Head-Neck Perforation with Surgical Relevance

Is Subcapital Realignment for Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis a Reproducible Technique? Midterm Results

BACKGROUND

The modified Dunn procedure, which is based on the development of an extended retinacular flap containing the blood supply for the femoral head, allows anatomic reestablishment in patients with moderate to severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Some controversy exists regarding the short-term to midterm risk of avascular necrosis (AVN) and other complications resulting from the surgical technique.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) What percentage of patients treated with an extended retinacular flap during the modified Dunn procedure for SCFE with a moderate (slip angle from 30° to 60°) or severe slip (slip angle equal or greater than 60°) develop symptomatic AVN, and what percentage underwent further surgery or had other complications? (2) What femoral head-neck alignment and position parameters relative to the greater trochanter are achieved after surgery? (3) Can we identify radiographic signs of osteoarthritis at a minimum of 4 years after surgery?

METHODS

Between January 2006 and December 2018, we treated 61 patients for SCFE. During this time, we generally used the modified Dunn procedure when the slip angle was ≥ 30°. Based on this indication, the modified Dunn procedure was performed in 37 patients (41 hips) during that time period, and those patients were potentially eligible for this retrospective study. Because bilateral hips in the same patient are not statistically independent, for our analyses, we analyzed only the hip with the longer follow-up time. Of those who remained, 11% (4) were lost before the minimum study follow-up of 48 months or had incomplete datasets, leaving 89% (33) for analysis here at a median follow-up of 80 months (range 49 to 208 months). Periacetabular osteotomy or subtrochanteric rotational femoral osteotomy was added under the same anaesthesia time in 33% (11 patients). We added periacetabular osteotomy in 24% (8) when intraoperative anterior instability was present in external rotation. A femoral rotational osteotomy was added in 9% (3) when posterior instability was present in flexion and internal rotation. The mean ± standard deviation age at the time of surgery was 13 ± 1 years, and 33% (11 of 33) of patients were female. The mean slip angle was 51° ± 16º, and 15% (5) of hips had unstable slips, defined as an inability to walk with or without crutches. We documented chronic presentations in 82% (27) of patients, acute and chronic in 12% (4), and acute in 6% (2). The rate of symptomatic AVN was determined by reviewing all radiographs obtained at the latest follow-up interval. Further surgery and other complications were assessed through an electronic medical record review. Radiographic morphologic parameters were measured before surgery and at a minimum follow-up of 4 years by two senior orthopaedic surgeons. Radiographs obtained at the latest follow-up visit were also screened for signs of osteoarthritis by the same surgeons.

RESULTS

At the latest follow-up, 3% (1 patient) of patients developed symptomatic AVN and underwent further surgery and 3% (1) underwent revision surgery for screw breakage after a high-energy fall. Postoperatively, the alpha angle was restored to 39º ± 6º, the anterior head-neck offset was restored to 8 ± 3 mm, the neck-shaft angle was 136º ± 6º, and the presence of a positive Klein line decreased from 64% (21 hips) to 0% (0 hips). No patients showed radiographic signs of osteoarthritis at the minimum follow-up of 4 years.

CONCLUSION

In this series, the modified Dunn procedure in moderate and severe slips was a reproducible procedure, and few patients developed symptomatic AVN or experienced other complications. Hip morphology was restored, but a longer follow-up duration and a detailed analysis of the results from other centers is warranted to assess the possible long-term risk of progression to AVN or osteoarthritis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study.

The "foothill" entry for cephalomedullary nailing in unstable proximal femoral fractures: a technical note with a review of the literature

Cephalomedullary nailing for unstable proximal femoral fractures is widely utilized, especially for geriatric osteoporotic fractures. There are two starting points for entry, namely trochanteric tip entry and pyriformis fossa entry, both have advantages and disadvantages, the tip of the greater trochanter seems that it is not the ideal starting point for trochanteric entry nails, the study presents the foothill entry point as a reproducible, technically feasible entry point to overcome the shortcoming of both standard starting points, and it could be easy executed with clear intraoperative fluoroscopic landmarks and lead to appropriate nail position without intraoperative complications.

The evolution of surgical hip dislocation utilization and indications over the past two decades: a scoping review

PURPOSE

To assess the evolution of surgical hip dislocation (SHD) utilization over the past 20 years, concentrating mainly on the patients' population (adults vs. paediatric), the hip conditions treated using this approach, and reporting on complications of this procedure.

METHODS

This scoping review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A PubMed database search was performed using specific search terms for articles related to SHD published between January 2001 and November 2022.

RESULTS

Initial search revealed 321 articles, of which 160 published in 66 journals from 28 countries were eligible for final analysis. The number of publications increased by 10.2 folds comparing the period from 2001 to 2005 with 2018 to 2022. USA and Switzerland contributed to more than 50% of the publications. Case series studies represented the majority of publications (65.6%). Articles including adult patients represented 73.1% of the publications while 10% were on paediatric patients; however, there was 14 folds increase in publications on paediatric patients comparing the first with the last five years. Managing non-traumatic conditions was reported in 77.5% of the articles, while traumatic conditions in 21.9%. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) was the most treated non-traumatic condition reported in 53 (33.1%) articles. In contrast, femoral head fractures (FHF) were the most treated traumatic condition, which was reported in 13 articles.

CONCLUSION

The publications on SHD and its usage for managing traumatic and non-traumatic hip conditions showed an increasing trend over the past two decades from worldwide countries. Its use in adult patients is well established, and its utilization in treating paediatric hip conditions is becoming more popular.

Closed reduction and minimally invasive screw osteosynthesis of Pipkin femoral head fractures

BACKGROUND

Femoral posterior hip dislocation with associated femoral head fractures (Pipkin fractures) are rare high-energy injuries. Published treatment modalities involve conservative treatment, head fragment resection, open reduction and internal fixation, and total hip replacement. The experience with mini-invasive screw osteosynthesis of these fractures is the main focus of our study.

METHODS

Seven Pipkin fractures (five Pipkin II and two Pipkin I) in six patients were treated by closed reduction of hip dislocation, followed by minimal invasive lag screw osteosynthesis. Cancellous screw(s) were inserted from the incision on the lateral hip through the femoral neck to the reduced fracture fragment. In all patients, postoperative CT was performed to check the quality of surgery. Active physiotherapy with immediate toe-touch weight bearing was the routine postoperative protocol. In all patients, radiological and clinical results were evaluated with the Thompson Epstein, Merle d'Aubigne and Postel score, and Harris hip score.

RESULTS

All fractures united, and all femoral heads survived. Infectious complications were not observed, and no secondary surgery was needed. After an average follow-up of 18.4 months, the average Merle d'Aubigne and Postel score was 17.7 points, while the mean Harris hip score reached 98.1 points. The majority of patients achieved an excellent Thompson-Epstein clinical and radiological outcome. All patients returned to their original occupation.

CONCLUSIONS

Mini-invasive screw osteosynthesis can be used for the treatment of Pipkin type I-II femoral head fractures. Successful reduction of hip dislocation and head fracture is necessary for using this technique. Long-term follow-up is necessary to confirm this technique.

An all-arthroscopic light bulb technique to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head through outside-in fashion without distraction: A case report

The technique of distraction has been widely used in hip arthroscopy for opening joint spaces. However, an all-arthroscopic light bulb technique through outside-in fashion without distraction has not been reported for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). A 29-year-old man was admitted to our department with hip pain and limited range of motion (ROM) in both hips over 4 months. X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a mixed appearance, including sclerosis and cysts on the anterosuperior site of the bilateral femoral heads. The patient had an 11-year history of liquor intake. In addition, no other pathologies were found before the operation. After diagnosing bilateral ONFH (stage II) according to the Ficat classification, the patient underwent an all-arthroscopic light bulb technique through outside-in fashion without distraction because of failing conservative treatment. At the 2-year postoperative follow-up, the patient had neither pain nor limitation of ROM. The postoperative x-ray, CT, and MRI revealed a well-healed area of the previous bone grafting in the bilateral femoral heads. An all-arthroscopic light bulb technique through outside-in fashion without distraction can be a feasible method for the treatment of early-stage ONFH. This case reminds us that distraction- and perforation-related complications may be avoided in patients with ONFH without the concomitant pathologies of the central compartment.

Revealing the mechanisms of Weishi Huogu I capsules used for treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head based on systems pharmacology with one mechanism validated with in vitro experiments

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Weishi Huogu I (WH I) capsules, developed through traditional Chinese medicine, have been used to treat clinical osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) for decades. However, the mechanisms have not been systematically studied.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, the mechanisms of WH I capsules used in treating ONFH were examined through a systems pharmacology strategy, and one mechanism was validated with in vitro experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

WH I capsules compounds were identified by screening databases; then, a database of the potential active compounds was constructed after absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) evaluation. The compounds were identified through a systematic approach in which the probability of an interaction of every candidate compound with each corresponding target in the DrugBank database was calculated. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses of the targets was performed with the Metascape and KEGG DISEASE databases. Then, a compound-target network (C-T) and target-pathway network (T-P) of WH I capsule components were constructed, and network characteristics and related information were used for systematically identifying WH I capsule multicomponent-target interactions. Furthermore, the effects of WH I capsule compounds identified through the systematic pharmacology analysis of the osteogenic transformation of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) were validated in vitro.

RESULTS

In total, 152 potentially important compounds and 176 associated targets were identified. Twenty-two crucial GO biological process (BP) or pathways were related to ONFH, mainly in regulatory modules regulating blood circulation, modulating growth, and affecting pathological processes closely related to ONFH. Furthermore, the GO enrichment analysis showed that corydine, isorhamnetin, and bicuculline were enriched in "RUNX2 regulates osteoblast differentiation", significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition and upregulated runt-related transcription factor 2 mRNA and protein expression and osteocalcin mRNA expression in HUMSCs, suggesting that these compounds promoted the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) osteogenic transformation.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that the pharmacological mechanisms of WH I capsule attenuation of ONFH mainly involve three therapeutic modules: blood circulation, modulating growth, and regulating pathological processes. The crosstalk between GOBPs/pathways may constitute the basis of the synergistic effects of the compounds in WH I capsules in attenuating ONFH. One of the pharmacological mechanisms in the WH I capsule effect on ONFH involves enhancement of the osteogenic transformation of MSCs, as validated in experiments performed in vitro; however, more mechanisms should be validated in further studies.

Surgical Approaches for Managing Femoral Head Fractures (FHFs); What and How to Choose from the Different Options?

Femoral head fractures (FHFs) are considered a relatively uncommon injury; however, they carry a challenge to the trauma surgeon. Choosing the appropriate management option, either conservatively or surgically, if the latter was chosen, should it be open reduction and internal fixation or simple excision of the fragment, or acute total hip arthroplasty. Furthermore, selecting the best surgical approach through which surgical management could be performed depends on the fracture classification, the familiarity of the surgeon, and the presence of associated injuries. All approaches to the hip, including hip arthroscopy, had been proposed for the management of FHFs; however, the difference among approaches is related to the complexity of the approach, the need for special training or equipment, the effect of the approach on the functional outcomes as well as the rate of postoperative complications. This review discussed the possible surgical approaches used to manage FHFs, advantages, and disadvantages for each, and offered a guideline for selecting the most appropriate surgical approach.

Morphological study on distribution of nutrient foramina in femoral neck in relation to retinacula of weitbrecht with its surgical implications

Background

Now a day's many surgeries are done around the head and neck of femur like femoral head resurfacing arthroplasty for managing advanced hip-joint degeneration. Thus, it is vital for an orthopaedic surgeon to exactly understand the vascular supply of the neck of femur. The knowledge of distribution of foramina and their relation to the retinacula of Weitbrecht will help orthopaedic surgeons to choose their management technique for various injuries. So, this study was undertaken to study the number, size and distribution of nutrient foramina in all the surfaces of neck of femur and their relations to the retinacula of Weitbrecht.

Materials and method

Study was conducted on 200 adult dry femora. The retinacula of Weitbrecht are first defined later the subcapital, transcervical and basicervical regions of the femoral neck are marked. The number of foramina, size and their distribution in relations to the retinacula of Weitbrecht were observed. Later the results were analyzed statistically.

Results

40.01% of foramina were observed in the subcapital region, 31.74% in basicervical and 28.24% were noted in transcervical region. The nutrient foraminal density was significantly higher in the upper retinacula (57.03%), followed by anterior retinacula (27.3%) and least in the region of inferior retinacula (15.66%). It was observed that most foramina were less than 1 mm diameter followed by 1-2 mm diameter foramina.

Conclusion

This knowledge of foraminal distribution in femoral neck will be helpful in surgeries involving the hip joint and femoral head & neck fractures.

3D Mapping of Bone Channel of Blood Supply to Femoral Head in Proximal Femur

Background

A detailed depiction of nutrient foramina is useful for defining guidelines and minimising iatrogenic damage during hip surgery. Therefore, this study aimed to define the location and frequency of nutrient foramina in the proximal femur using mapping techniques.

Methods

One hundred dry human cadaveric proximal femurs, comprising 56 left and 44 right femurs, were scanned using a three-dimensional scanner, with scanning distance 200 mm, precision 0.01 mm, and measuring point 0.04 mm. The image resolution of 1,310,000 pixels was obtained. Digital imaging models were acquired from the proximal femur surface. All the nutrient foramina in each model were identified and marked. The nutrient foramina models were superimposed on one another and oriented to fit a standard template of the femur’s proximal aspect. Three-dimensional mapping in the proximal femur’s nutrient foramina was performed.

Results

The nutrient foramina’s location and dense zones were identified. The dense zones were distributed along the vascular course and gaps between the muscle attachment sites. Eighteen dense zones were identified and found to be location-dependent. They were located in the central part of the fovea capitis femoris, subcapital and basicervical areas of the femoral neck, and muscle attachment gaps of the femoral trochanter.

Conclusions

The terminal branch of the nutrient vessels entering the nutrient foramina is at risk for iatrogenic damage during hip surgeries, especially in cases of close bone exposures. There are 18 dense zones that need to be considered for a safer approach to the proximal femur. To minimise iatrogenic damage to the nutrient vessels entering the nutrient foramina, the dense areas should be avoided when technically possible.

The Value of the Frog Lateral View Radiograph for Detecting Collapse of Femur Head Necrosis: A Retrospective Study of 1001 Cases

Aims

The collapse in femur head necrosis is generally detected by CT or MRI which are not primary routine examination at every follow-up in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to verify the reliability of the frog lateral view radiograph in detecting the collapse of femoral head.

Methods

We retrospectively included 1001 hips of 620 patients with femur head necrosis. The anteroposterior view and frog lateral view of X-ray standard radiographs, CT and MRI of patients were collected and simultaneously evaluated by three orthopedists to evaluate the condition of collapse according to the unified standard. The inter-observer reliability of each view of X-ray for detecting the collapse were analyzed through the weighted Cohen's kappa index. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of each evaluation method were also calculated.

Results

A moderate or substantial reliability was indicated in the evaluation of frog lateral view radiograph, whereas the anteroposterior view only showed fair or poor reliability. Using the CT or MRI results of collapse as the gold standard, the frog lateral view indicated higher sensitivity and accuracy than the anteroposterior view (sensitivity: 82.8 vs. 64.9%; accuracy: 87.1 vs. 73.9%). The combination of the anteroposterior view and frog lateral view indicated higher reliability than individual views.

Conclusion

The frog lateral view radiograph has higher sensitivity and accuracy than anteroposterior view. It is a complementary method to AP view for detecting the collapse in femur head necrosis during the follow-up, which has moderate or substantial inter-observer reliability.

Hip-preserving reconstruction of the proximal femur with a vascularized fibula autograft and liquid-nitrogen-treated tumor bearing bone

A five-year-old boy with Ewing sarcoma of the proximal femur was operated at our institution with limb-sparing surgery and biological reconstruction of the proximal femur with a vascularized fibular autograft. During this procedure, the proximal femur was soaked in liquid nitrogen which was subsequently fixed to the fibular autograft, while the epiphysis of the femoral head was spared. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of epiphysis-sparing surgery of the proximal femur via a vascularized fibular autograft surrounded by a liquid nitrogen-treated tumor bearing bone autograft. Three years postoperatively, the patient remains disease-free, has a full weight-bearing extremity with good function, and a remodeled proximal femur with minimal deformity. There are no radiological or clinical signs indicative of femoral head osteonecrosis. In conclusion, hip-sparing biological reconstruction is a successful method of limb preservation as an alternative to tumor endoprostheses.

Femoral neck fractures: Key points to consider for fixation or replacement a narrative review of recent literature

INTRODUCTION

Femoral neck fractures (FNF) are frequent injuries and not rarely complicated by non-union, implant failure, and avascular necrosis. Some of these fractures represent a dilemma for trauma surgeons. Which fracture should be fixed? Which replaced with a prosthesis? How? The aim of this narrative review is to investigate the literature in order to provide the most updated and evidence-based knowledge about FNF' treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature research has been performed to find the essential key points to consider when dealing with FNF and their treatment. The most representative papers and the new meta-analysis were matched with authors' experience to give a concise but comprehensive view of the problem. Timing, age, comorbidities, vascularization of the femoral head, displacement, instability, comminution of the fracture, bone quality, and surgeon experience seem to be the major topics to consider in the decision making. We then focus on the optimal fixation or replacement as suggested by the literature.

RESULTS

Age is the main independent factor to consider. Timing seems essential in the elderly population to reduce mortality and important in the younger patients to reduce complications. Vascular supply should be always considered. Displacement, instability, and comminution of the fracture are negative prognostic factors for fixation as well as, theoretically, bone quality. In the elderly hip replacement is mostly indicated. A stable and solid fixation is mandatory to allow early mobilization. Sliding Hip Screws (SHS) seem preferable to cannulated screws for displaced/unstable (Pauwels II-III, posterior comminution) and basicervical fracture patterns or in smokers. There is a tendency toward Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) also in the elderly if the patient is an indipendent ambulator without severe comorbidities. Dual mobility cups are gaining popularity in THA for FNF.

CONCLUSIONS

FNF are frequent injuries and represent, in some cases, a dilemma for the trauma surgeon. Age, timing, comorbidities, bone quality, femoral head vascularization, fracture displacement, intrinsic instability, and comminution as surgeon experience should be carefully evaluated before surgery. A case-to-case analysis of the patient-related factors helps the surgeon to make the right choice and reduce the well-known complications.

Etiology of avascular osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Avascular osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is one of the causes of hip pain that clinicians need to know about. In many cases, it is a fortuitous discovery when pelvic X-rays is performed for another reason. In the other cases, pain reveals the disease. For the rheumatologist, a major part of the job is to look for a cause. An etiology can be found to ONFH in about 70% of the cases. Some of them are evident and the context give the diagnosis (corticosteroids, alcohol abuse…). However, in many cases, additional tests to imaging are required to make the causal diagnosis. In some cases, the treatment of the cause can prevent the recurrence of the disease.

Femoral neck rotational osteotomy: a modified method for treating necrotic femoral heads with large and laterally located lesions

In this study, we retrospectively investigated the short-term outcome of femoral neck rotational osteotomy (FNRO) for treating necrotic femoral heads with large and laterally located lesions. Twelve necrotic femoral heads (ARCO stage II or III) with an average Kerboul angle of 210° underwent FNRO through surgical hip dislocation. By circumferential release of capsule and retinaculum, femoral neck osteotomy was performed at the base of femoral neck just 1.5 cm above lesser trochanter. The severed femoral neck was rotated with a mean angle of 120.4° and fixed with a mean varus angulation of 10.2°. Both Harris hip score and International hip outcome tool improved at a mean follow-up of 29 months. The average post-operative intact rate was 55.3%. Subsequent collapse or progression to osteoarthritis was found in four hips but only one hip failed with a Harris hip score of 44 and converted to hip replacement. Post-operative leg length discrepancy was 1.1 cm. Limp presented in seven hips. Six hips had osteophyte formation. FNRO through surgical hip dislocation had the advantages of safe exposure, direct visualization of necrotic lesion and high reorientation of healthy bone and articular cartilage on femoral head. We observed satisfactory short-term survivorship and improved patient-reported outcomes in necrotic femoral heads treated with FNRO.

Femoral neck osteotomy in skeletally mature patients: surgical technique and midterm results

PURPOSE

Using an extended retinacular flap containing the blood supply for the femoral head, proximal femur osteotomies can be performed at the neck level increasing the potential of correction of complex morphologies. The aim of this study was to analyze the safety, clinical, and radiographic results of this intra-articular surgical technique performed in skeletally mature patients with a minimum follow-up of three years.

METHODS

Fourteen symptomatic adult patients (16 hips) with a mean age of 26 years underwent FNO using surgical hip dislocation and an extended soft tissue flap. Radiographs and radial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were obtained before and after surgery to evaluate articular congruency, cartilage damage, and morphologic parameters. Clinical functional evaluation was done using the Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), the Hip Outcome Score (HOS), and the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS).

RESULTS

After surgery, no avascular necrosis was observed, and all the osteotomies healed without complication. The initial neck/shaft angle (range 120 to 150°) improved in all cases to a mean value of 130° ± 4.6 (p < 0.001). In eight of nine valgus hips, the high-positioned fovea capitis changed to a normal position after surgery. The NAHS score improved from a mean of 36.5 ± 14.9 to 82.9 ± 13.9 points after surgery (p < 0.001). After surgery, the mean HOS was 87.1 ± 17.6 points, and the mean mHHS was 78.6 ± 17 points.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, femoral neck osteotomy in the adult, although technically more demanding compared with other classic osteotomies, can be considered a safe procedure with considerable potential to correct hip deformities.

BONE PERFUSION AND ADIPOSITY BEYOND THE NECROTIC ZONE IN FEMORAL HEAD OSTEONECROSIS: A QUANTITATIVE MRI STUDY

PURPOSE

To describe bone perfusion and adiposity beyond the necrotic zone with quantitative MRI techniques in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).

METHOD

In this cross-sectional multicentre study, we recruited patients suffering from late-stage ONFH or hip osteoarthritis. Hip MRI included quantitative MRI sequences: chemical-shift imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. We drew regions of interest inside the necrotic zone (inner necrosis and its border) and outside (femoral head, neck and greater trochanter) in ONFH. In the control group, regions of interest were drawn in the femoral head, femoral neck and the greater trochanter. For each region of interest, we measured fat fraction, and calculated semi-quantitative (area under the curve, initial slope) and pharmacokinetic perfusion parameters (K_trans and K_ep).

RESULTS

Thirty-two male adults (mean age 58 ± 9 years, range 38-74 years) were included. Sixteen patients formed the ONFH group and fifteen the control group; one was excluded. In the normal-appearing non-necrotic part of the femoral head, fat fraction was not significantly different in comparison with controls (p = 1), but _Ktrans was significantly lower than in controls (0.012 ± 0.018 vs. 0.027 ± 0.045; p = 0.05). This perfusion parameter reflects exchanges between blood microvessels and bone marrow.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results question the concept of adipose toxicity on the macroscopic scale, and bring up the concept of regional ischemic penumbra that goes beyond the visible necrotic zone. Further studies are required to test these hypotheses in larger populations and earlier disease states.

Modified trapdoor procedures using autogenous tricortical iliac graft without preserving the broken cartilage for treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a prospective cohort study with historical controls

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate clinical and radiological outcomes of autologous tricortical iliac grafting performed through a window created at the femoral head without suturing the opened articular cartilage for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), called modified trapdoor procedures.

Materials and methods

A total of 59 consecutive patients (67 hips; 36 males and 23 females) with ONFH were included in this study, which was conducted from April 2009 to March 2012. Patients’ age ranged from 27 to 46 years old, with a mean age of 36.3 years. Harris hip scores (HHS) were used to evaluate hip function pre- and postoperatively. Anteroposterior and frog-position X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were conducted to assess lesion location, size, and ARCO stage. Clinical failure was defined as score < 80 points or treatment by total hip arthroplasty (THA). Radiographic failure was defined as a > 3 mm of collapse in the hip. This group was retrospectively matched according to the ARCO stage, extent, location, etiology of the lesion, average age, gender, and preoperative Harris hip score to a group of 59 patients (67 hips) who underwent the “light bulb” approach between March 2007 and April 2009.

Results

Mean follow-up was 91.2 ± 13.6 months (range, 75–115 months). Mean HHS was 91.3 ± 4.5, compared with 83.1 ± 4.5 in the “light bulb” cohort at the 6-year follow-up examination (P < 0.001). At the 6-year follow-up, for modified trapdoor procedures, five hips (8.5%) were classified as clinical failure, and three hips underwent total hip arthroplasty; seven hips were classified as (10.4%) radiographic failure. The clinical and radiographic failure of the hips treated with the modified trapdoor procedure was significantly lower compared to the hips treated with the “light bulb” procedure (P < 0.05). Survival of the joint was not significantly related to the location of the femoral head lesion between two groups; however, better clinical and radiographic results were observed in modified trapdoor procedures with size C and the ARCO stage III.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated superior midterm clinical results in ONFH with the use of autologous tricortical iliac block graft through a femoral head window, without suturing the opened articular cartilage. The femoral head-preserving procedure was superior compared to the “light bulb” procedure treatment in patients with postcollapse osteonecrosis and large lesion.

Total cross-sectional area of the femoral neck nutrient foramina measured to assess arterial vascular beds in the femoral head

Background

A detailed understanding of the blood supply to the femoral head is required to plan the surgery in the femoral neck and head area. However, information about the blood vessel networks in the femoral head is inadequate.

Methods

The surface of the femoral neck of 100 dry cadaveric adult femur specimens was scanned using a 3D scanner. The scanning distance was 200 mm, precision 0.01 mm, and measuring point 0.04 mm. The images were acquired at a resolution of 1,310,000 pixels. Digital imaging data were recorded from the femoral neck surface. The diameters of the nutrient foramina of the superior, inferior and anterior retinacular arteries, and the ligamentum teres arteries were determined and divided into five groups.

Results

The mean cumulative cross-sectional area of the nutrient foramina was as follows: canals of the superior, inferior, anterior, and ligamentum retinacular arteries were 15.59 mm², 3.63 mm², 4.32 mm², and 1.58 mm², respectively. Next, we analyzed the canals of the superior, inferior, anterior and ligamentum retinacular arteries, respectively, via 3D scanner. We found that the canals of the superior retinacular arteries appear to supply more blood to the femoral head than the canals of the other three types of arteries.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that surgeries of the femoral neck and femoral head will be improved with prior 3D scanning and lead to better outcomes in surgeries involving the hip area.

Management of Pipkin Fractures Using a Safe Surgical Hip Dislocation

Introduction

Pipkin fractures are rare events and usually occur as a consequence for high-energy trauma. Surgery to obtain anatomical reduction and fixation is the mainstay treatment for the majority of these injuries; nonetheless, controversy exists regarding the best surgical approach.

Description of the Case

We present the case of a 41-year-old male, which sustained a type II Pipkin fracture following a motorcycle accident. In the emergency department, an emergent closed reduction was performed, followed by surgery five days later. Using a surgical hip dislocation, a successful anatomical reduction and fixation was performed. After three years of follow-up, the patient presented with a normal range of motion, absent signs for avascular necrosis or posttraumatic arthritis, but with a grade II heterotopic ossification.

Discussion

Safe surgical hip dislocation allows full access to the femoral head and acetabulum, without increasing the risk for a femoral head avascular necrosis or posttraumatic arthritis. Simultaneously, this surgical approach gives the opportunity to repair associated acetabular or labral lesions, which explains the growing popularity with this technique.

Conclusion

Although technically demanding, safe surgical hip dislocation represents an excellent option in the reduction and fixation for Pipkin fractures.

Anatomic study on the blood supply to the femoral head following hip resurfacing using the posterior approach

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate femoral head perfusion following cadaveric hip resurfacing using the posterior approach.

METHODS

This cadaveric study involved injecting Higgins India ink into the common iliac arteries and evaluating the distribution of ink in the resurfaced heads using the modified Spalteholz technique. The study consisted of 2 parts. The 1st part involved utilisation of 22 cadaveric hips for establishing the injection and histological technique. The 2nd part of the study included 4 control cadaveric hips and 12 cadaveric hips with posterior approach hip resurfacing. Each specimen was divided into 15 zones (12 head zones and 3 neck zones) to evaluate detailed geographic distribution of dye-containing blood vessels.

RESULTS

All 4 controls had good flow of ink to all head zones and the neck region. In all the resurfaced heads, there was good flow to all the neck zones. 6 resurfaced specimens had no dye flow to any of the head zones. In the remaining 6, dye-stained vessels were seen variably in the anterior and middle zones but were consistently absent in the posterior zones of the head. Zones representing the antero-inferior parts of femoral head had the maximum flow of ink, followed by zones representing middle-inferior parts.

CONCLUSIONS

Posterior approach for hip resurfacing arthroplasty results in vascular insult to the femoral head, with posterior zones more affected than the anterior zones. The persistence of the dye in the intraosseous blood vessels of the neck and in anteroinferior head may be a source of revascularisation of the femoral head after posterior approach hip resurfacing.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head: pathophysiology and current concepts of treatment

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a disabling pathology affecting a young population (average age at treatment, 33 to 38 years) and is the most important cause of total hip arthroplasty in this population. It reflects the endpoint of various disease processes that result in a decrease of the femoral head blood flow.The physiopathology reflects an alteration of the vascularization of the fine blood vessels irrigating the anterior and superior part of the femoral head. This zone of necrosis is the source of the loss of joint congruence that leads to premature wear of the hip.Several different types of medication have been developed to reverse the process of ischemia and/or restore the vascularization of the femoral head. There is no consensus yet on a particular treatment.The surgical treatments aim to preserve the joint as far as the diagnosis could be made before the appearance of a zone of necrosis and the loss of joint congruence. They consist of bone marrow decompressions, osteotomies around the hip, vascular or non-vascular grafts.Future therapies include the use of biologically active molecules as well as implants impregnated with biologically active tissue. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:85-97. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180036.