Nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head: endoscopic visualization of its avascular burden

Osseoscopy-assisted core decompression and debridement in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head

Core decompression of the femoral head is a standard surgical procedure used in the early stages of the femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN) (Steinberg I to III). This study aimed to determine whether the advantages of osseoscopy-assisted core decompression using a standard arthroscopic set up in the early stages of AVN of the femoral head. Twelve hips of 12 patients who underwent osseoscopy-assisted core decompression and debridement with the diagnosis of AVN of the femoral head were reviewed between 2019 and 2021. The etiology was idiopathic in 2 patients; ten had a history of steroid use. The preoperative and postoperative first month Harris Hip Score (HHS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded. Standard X-rays, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were noted at preoperatively and sixth month follow-ups. In a 1-year follow-up, X-rays and MRIs were reviewed. All patients significantly improved in the VAS and HHS after the osseoscopy-assisted core decompression (P = .002). Two of the 12 patients with an initial stage of Steinberg IIC and IIB and one with Steinberg IA had a progressive femoral collapse and, therefore, had a total hip replacement at the end of the follow-up. Nine patients (75%) had satisfactory functional and radiological results in 1-year of follow-up. However, 3 patients (25%) culminated in total hip arthroplasty in a 1-year follow-up. Using an arthroscopic set up during osseoscopy-assisted core decompression surgery of the femoral head AVN has the benefits of direct visualization and accurate debridement of the involved area. The osseoscopy-assisted core decompression technique avoids excessive debridement of the healthy bone tissue adjacent to the necrotic area.

The use of core track endoscopy to document accurate decompression of the femoral head

The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of endoscopy as diagnostic and prognostic method for Ficat and Steinberg stage IIIA and IIIB lesions by assessing the efficacy, risks and complications of this method. In a prospective study from January 2008 until September 2013, nine patients (13 hips) were assessed. In nine hips the disease was stage II, in three hips stage III and in one hip stage IV. Evaluation included x-rays, magnetic resonance and bone scintigraphy. After femoral head decompression, the borders of the removed necrotic area were investigated under direct visualisation by means of endoscopy in order to assess the vitality status of the surrounding bone. Endoscopic evaluation was successful in nine hips. The visualisation of healthy bone borders after removing the necrotic bone was not possible in four cases. The preoperative MRI findings were in correlation to our endoscopic findings in five out of nine cases. There were no cases of cartilage perforation, femoral neck fracture and other intra and postoperative complications. Endoscopic evaluation of the removed necrotic bone can greatly improve the therapeutic effect by visualising the borders of the decompressed bone area and provide information regarding the necessity for bone graft and the type of graft required.

The role of hip arthroscopy in the management of osteonecrosis

Hip arthroscopy has emerged as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the management of osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head. Direct visualization of the joint, aids the staging of the disease, while mechanical symptoms and pain can be alleviated by addressing the often coexisting intra-articular pathology (labral tears, chondral delamination, loose bodies and synovitis) thereby improving the clinical outcome in some patients. The article explores the role and possible value of hip arthroscopy as a surgical technique in the treatment of hip ON.