Association Research Circulation Osseous Research Articles

Muscle pedicle bone grafting using the anterior one-third of the gluteus medius attached to the greater trochanter for treatment of Association Research Circulation Osseousstage II osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of our technique on further collapse of the femoral head in Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage II, patient's functional improvements, and analyze the survival rate of the affected hip. Between June 2007 and March 2015, 24 hips diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) were treated with our muscle pedicle bone grafting (MPBG) technique using anterior one-third of gluteus medius attached to the greater trochanter. The group was consisted of 15 men and eight women, mean age of 36years at the time of surgery. Mean follow-up was 6.2years. Four hips showed regeneration, 11 hips showed no progression, and nine hips showed slight extent of the lesion. But during the follow-up, three hips underwent total hip arthroplasty at the mean follow-up of 5.8years after the surgery. The survival rate at the last follow-up was approximately 87.5%. Excluding the three failed cases, the mean total Harris hip score was improved from 57.2 to 82.3 points (p < 0.05). We had no case of complications such as limping, numbness, wound infection, heterotopic ossification, nor intra- and post-operative fracture. We showed 87.5% of survival rate by average of 6.2-year follow-up, maximum of 10.1years. And compared to other reports, our technique showed relatively good results. In the short term, our modified MPBG technique seems to be effective in ARCO stage II ONFH. We, therefore, suggest this technique as one of the promising treatments of choices for patients with ARCO stage II ONFH.

High-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy for nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head

BackgroundNontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is treated with a series of methods. High-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is an option with promising mid-term outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the long-term outcomes of ESWT for ONFH.MethodsFifty-three hips in 39 consecutive patients were treated with ESWT in our hospital between January 2005 and July 2006. Forty-four hips in 31 patients with stage I–III nontraumatic ONFH, according to the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) system, were reviewed in the current retrospective study. The visual analog pain scale (VAS), Harris hip score, radiography, and magnetic resonance imaging were used to estimate treatment results. The progression of ONFH was evaluated by imaging examination and clinical outcomes. The results were classified as clinical success (no progression of hip symptoms) and imaging success (no progression of stage or substage on radiography and MRI).ResultsThe mean follow-up duration was 130.6 months (range, 121 to 138 months). The mean VAS decreased from 3.8 before ESWT to 2.2 points at the 10-year follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean Harris hip score improved from 77.4 before ESWT to 86.9 points at the 10-year follow-up. The clinical success rates were 87.5% in ARCO stage I patients, 71.4% in ARCO stage II patients, and 75.0% in ARCO stage III patients. Imaging success was observed in all stage I hips, 64.3% of stage II hips, and 12.5% of stage III hips. Seventeen hips showed progression of the ARCO stage/substage on imaging examination. Eight hips showed femoral head collapse at the 10-year follow-up. Four hips in ARCO stage III and one hip in ARCO stage II were treated with total hip arthroplasty during the follow-up. Three were performed 1 year after ESWT, one at 2 years, and one at 5 years.ConclusionsThe results of the current study indicated that ESWT is an effective treatment method for nontraumatic ONFH, resulting in pain relief and function restoration, especially for patients with ARCO stage I–II ONFH.

Prognostic analysis of different morphology of the necrotic-viable interface in osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the collapse progression in different morphologies of the necrotic-viable interface in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). A total of 168 patients (202 hips) with Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage II ONFH were included. Ending with the collapse of the femoral head, all patients received conservative treatment but without surgical intervention and were followed for three to 91months. Bilateral hip-joint radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were examined, and the largest layer of necrosis within the coronal section of MRI images was selected together with its anteroposterior radiograph to observe the morphology of the necrotic-viable interface. The morphology was divided into four types: I, type transverse; II, type "V"; III, type zigzag; IV, type closed. The collapse rate and the time to collapse in different morphologies were assessed. A total of 120 hips collapsed in twoyears or less, 61 were type-I, 51 were type-II, and 8 were type-III. Non-collapse occurred in all 17 hips with type-IV ONFH during long-term follow-up. In 202 hips with ARCO stage-II ONFH, the collapse rate in type-I ONFH was significantly higher than that of type-II and type-III ONFH (P<0.01 for both). The time to collapse was markedly shortened. The risk of ONFH-induced collapse is influenced by the morphology of the necrotic-viable interface. Effective mechanical support for preventing the collapse of the femoral head is necessary when the morphology of the necrotic-viable interface is type transverse.

Femoral osteochondroplasty can be performed effectively without the risk of avascular necrosis or femoral neck fractures in an experimental ovine FAI model.

The experimental induction of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in sheep is established. To tap the full potential of this ovine model, one should be able to perform a femoral osteochondroplasty safely. This study was based on previous cadaver experiments on the blood supply to the ovine femoral head and on the biomechanical strength of the proximal femur following offset creation. We hypothesized that offset creation in this ovine FAI model does not lead to (1) avascular necrosis (AVN) of the ovine femoral head or (2) iatrogenic femoral neck fractures and (3) can be performed effectively. In this experimental, controlled, prospective study nine sheep underwent unilateral FAI induction through an intertrochanteric, varus osteotomy. Seventy days following FAI induction, femoral osteochondroplasty was performed. Sheep were sacrificed after another 140 days. Radiographs, computed tomography (CT) scans and MRI were acquired. Histologic samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. (1) The multimodal Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) classification was used for assessment of AVN. (2) Femoral neck fractures were assessed with the multimodal imaging approach. (3) Pre- and postoperative (=after sacrifice) alpha angles and femoral neck diameters were compared. (1) No signs for AVN according to the ARCO classification or (2) for femoral neck fractures were detected. (3) Mean alpha angles and femoral neck diameters decreased significantly (p < 0.001) superiorly by at least 30° respectively 4mm after the offset creation. Femoral osteochondroplasty can be performed effectively and without the risk of AVN or femoral neck fractures in this ovine FAI model.

A 12-year follow-up study of combined treatment of post-severe acute respiratory syndrome patients with femoral head necrosis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the long-term efficacy of a combination treatment of alendronate, extracorporeal shock and hyperbaric oxygen for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) of post-severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients.Patients and methodsThe retrospective study was performed including a total of 37 post-SARS ONFH patients (66 hip joints) in the Department of Orthopedics of the General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University between November 2003 and November 2015, consisting of 6 males (11 hip joints) and 31 females (55 hip joints), with age between 19 and 47 years (average 29.9 years). Visual analog scale (VAS) score, Harris score and Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage of imaging examination were compared among those before treatment, and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 years after treatment. Paired t-test was used for statistical analysis of VAS and Harris score before and after treatment. Difference of effective rate on all stages was analyzed with Chi-square test.ResultsWith 12-year follow-up, significant improvements on VAS (6.81 of pre-treatment vs 3.94 of 12-year post-treatment) and Harris score (74.54 of pre-treatment vs 80.14 of 12-year post-treatment) were observed (all p<0.05). Effective rate showed statistical significance among three stages of ARCO (p<0.05). The combined treatment showed different efficacies on different ARCO stages; the best was on ARCO Phase I.ConclusionThe combined treatment may delay or discontinue the development of ONFH in post-SARS patients.

Heterotopic ossification related to the use of recombinant human BMP-2 in osteonecrosis of femoral head.

Despite the wide use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in bone defect, its application in treating osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) is yet to be elucidated. The heterotopic ossification (HO) after rhBMP-2 usage in some orthopedic surgeries has been reported previously; however, only a few studies describe this complication in the treatment of ONFH.The present study investigated whether the rhBMP-2 application would increase the risk of HO formation in selected ONFH patients with nonvascularized bone grafting surgery and enhance the surgical results of nonvascularized bone grafting as compared to patients who did not receive intraoperative rhBMP-2.A retrospective analysis was performed on 94 patients (141 hips) who, with Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stages IIb, IIc, and IIIa ONFH, underwent nonvascularized bone grafting surgery. The first 46 patients (66 hips) received intraoperative rhBMP-2. The postoperative radiographic results (X-ray and CT scan) and Harris hip score (HHS) were reviewed in each patient to record the incidence of HO formation and evaluate the clinical efficacy of rhBMP-2, respectively.HO formation frequently occurred in patients receiving intraoperative rhBMP-2 (8/66 hips) than those not receiving the protein (1/75 hips) (P = .02). HHS improved from preoperatively at the final follow-up (P < .01) in the BMP-positive group, with a survival rate of 83.3%. In the BMP-negative group, the HHS improved from preoperatively at the end of the follow-up (P < .01), and the survival rate was 72.0%.rhBMP-2 has osteoinductive property and might serve as an adjuvant therapy in the surgical treatment of ONFH. However, the incidence of HO formation might increase when used in high doses.

Clinical research of free vascularized fibular grafting for osteonecrosis of femoral head

Objective To evaluate the clinical results of free vascularized fibular grafting (FVFG) for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods From July, 2009 to January, 2013, 85 cases (120 hips) of ONFH were treated with free vascularized fibular grafting. These cases included 61 males (87 hips) and 24 females (33 hips) with an average age of 36.5 years (22-51 years) ; 7 hips (ⅠA 2 hips, ⅠB 3 hips, ⅠC 2 hips) were at stage Ⅰ, 98 hips (ⅡA 24 hips, ⅡB 39 hips, ⅡC 35 hips) at stage Ⅱ and 15 hips (ⅢA 9 hips, ⅢB 4 hips, ⅢC 2 hips) at stage Ⅲ according to the classification system of Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO). The mean preoperative Harris hip score was (60.21±6.85) points (42-71 points) , The follow-up items included the X-ray examination, the Harris scores of the hip, and the evaluation of the complications. Results Eighty-three cases (117 hips) were followed up. The average duration of follow-up was 25 months (range from 12 months to 42 months). The mean postoperative Harris hip score was increased to (81.26±5.84) points (67-91 points) by the end of the follow-up, compared with the preoperation, the score improved significantly, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Comparing with postoperative X-ray, 101 hips (86.3%) were improved, 12 hips (10.3%) had no significant changes and deterioration occurred in 4 hips (3.4%). Conclusion The free vascularized fibular grafting is an effective method for treating osteonecrosis of and preventing the collapse of the femoral head. Key words: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head; Free vascularized fibular grafting; Harris scores; Micro-surgical technique

Free Vascularized Fibular Grafting Improves Vascularity Compared With Core Decompression in Femoral Head Osteonecrosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Management of osteonecrosis of the femoral head remains challenging. Core decompression and free vascularized fibular grafting are commonly used surgical procedures for treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Few studies, however, have compared these two procedures in a randomized controlled study, in terms of improved vascularity of the femoral head, progression of disease, or hip scores. QUESTION/PURPOSES: (1) What is the effect of core decompression and fibular grafting on vascularity of the femoral head as measured by single-photon emission CT (SPECT)/CT? (2) Does one of these two methods lead to greater progression of Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage as determined by serial MRI? (3) What is the relationship between the change in vascularity of the femoral head and hip function as measured by the Harris hip score (HHS) and progression to THA as an endpoint? Arandomized controlled trial was performed between June 2010 and October 2012 at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. During the study period, 51 patients who presented with ARCO Stages I to IIIB bilateral osteonecrosis were potentially eligible for inclusion, and 33 patients were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria and offered enrollment and randomization. Six patients declined to participate at the time of randomization, leaving a final sample of 27 participants (54 hips). Bilateral hips of each patient were randomly assigned to surgical options: one side was treated with core decompression and the contralateral side was concurrently treated with fibular grafting. SPECT/CT examinations were performed to quantify radionuclide uptake to evaluate vascularity of the femoral head before treatment and at 6 and 36 months after surgery. With the numbers available, we found no differences between the groups regarding vascularity at baseline (64% ± 8% core decompression-treated hips versus 64% ± 7% in the fibular-grafted hips; 95% CI, -5% to 5%; p = 0.90). MR images of the hips were obtained before surgery and at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively and staged based on the ARCO classification. All patients were assessed clinically before treatment and followed up at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months after treatment using the HHS. We considered a difference in the HHS of 10 as the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Patient progression to THA was defined as the endpoint for followup. Six patients (22%) were lost to followup. By SPECT/CT analysis, decompression-treated hips had lower vascularity than fibular-grafted hips at 6 months (68 % ± 6% versus 95% ± 5%; mean difference, -27%; 95% CI, -32% to -23%; p < 0.001) and 36 months (57% ± 4% versus 91% ± 3%; mean difference, -34%; 95% CI, -37% to -32%; p < 0.001). MRI analysis showed no differences between decompression-treated hips and fibular-grafted hips regarding ARCO stage at 12 months (p = 0.306) and 24 months (p = 0.06). Progression of ARCO staging was more severe in the decompression group than the fibular grafting group at 36 months (p = 0.027). The mean HHS was lower in the decompression group than in the fibular grafting group throughout the followup period, although these differences were at or below the MCID of 10 points early on. However, by 18 months, the scores favored fibular grafting (72 ± 4 versus 84 ± 4; mean difference, -13; 95% CI, -15 to -7; p < 0.001), a finding that was maintained at 24, 30, and 36 months. We found no differences between decompression-treated hips and fibular-grafted hips regarding progression to THA at 36 months (two of 21; p = 0.893). Hips that underwent a vascularized fibular grafting procedure fared better than hips receiving core decompression as measured by improved vascularity and less progression of osteonecrosis as measured by ARCO staging. The mean HHS of the fibular-grafted hips was better than that of the decompression-treated hips during the entire postoperative period, but the differences were modest early on, and for the early postoperative period the differences were unlikely to have been clinically important; by 18 months after surgery, the differences probably were clinically important. The mid-term outcomes associated with vascularized fibular grafting seen in our patients are associated with improvements in femoral head vascularity and the potential for bone revitalization. Level I, therapeutic study.

Efficacy of Core Decompression in Posttraumatic Osteonecrosis of Hip

Core decompression is an established treatment for nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the hip. However, its efficacy in posttraumatic osteonecrosis is uncertain. Ten patients with posttraumatic osteonecrosis hip, who were operated in the authors' institute between 2005 and 2009 with core decompression, were retrospectively analyzed. Progression of the disease was defined as progression from a pre-collapse stage to stage 3, an increase in collapse, progression to stage 4, or clinical failure (performance of a subsequent operation). At every six-month follow-up, the patients were evaluated clinically (Harris Hip score [HHS]) and radiographically (MRI and radiographs of the hip) and graded according to Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) staging. After a mean follow-up of 2.3 years, only two hips (20%) had radiological progression and none had the need for another surgery. The mean HHS in the preoperative period was 80 points and it was 78 at follow-up. The HHS in preoperative period was good in seven patients, fair in one, and poor in two patients. At follow-up, there were two excellent, three good, two fair, and three poor outcomes. The outcome of core decompression in posttraumatic osteonecrosis is encouraging and, although this is a small pilot study, this study supports the use of core decompression for early stage posttraumatic osteonecrosis of femoral head.

Technical summary and modified instruments of free vascularized fibular grafting for osteonecrosis of femoral head

To summarize retrospectively the clinical technology of repairing osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) by free vascularized fibular grafting (FVFG), and the value of modified instruments in operation. Between March 2011 and January 2013, 35 patients with ONFH (47 hips) who underwent FVFG with modified instruments. There were 24 males (32 hips) and 11 females (15 hips), aged 34 years on average (range, 22-43 years). The unilateral hip was involved in 23 cases and the bilateral hips in 12 cases. The disease duration ranged from 5 to 9 months (mean, 7 months). Based on etiology, 25 hips were classified as alcohol ONFH, 12 hips as corticosteroids ONFH, 3 hips as trauma ONFH, and 7 hips as idiopathic ONFH. According to the Association Research Circulation Osseous(ARCO) stage, 3 hips were rated as stage I, 39 hips as stage II, and 5 hips as stage III on the X-ray films. The preoperative Harris score was 58.2±6.1. The time to get fibula was 15-35 minutes (mean, 25 minutes). The operation time was 90-200 minutes (mean, 130 minutes), and the blood loss during operation was 150-500 mL (mean, 270 mL). All the patients achieved primary healing of incision, without complication of infection or deep vein thrombosis. All 35 patients were followed up 12-42 months, with an average of 28 months. The Harris score at final follow-up was 87.3±5.7, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score ( t=102.038, P=0.000). Radiographic results at final follow-up showed good position of fibula; and necrosis was improved in 9 hips, had no changes in 36 hips, and aggravated in 2 hips. FVFG for ONFH can improve hip function effectively, and modified instruments can improve operation efficiency.

Chinese Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Adults.

The treatment of adult osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), with 8.12 million patients in China, remains a challenge to surgeons. To standardize and improve the efficacy of the treatment of ONFH, Chinese specialists updated the experts' suggestions in March 2015, and an experts' consensus was given to provide a current basis for the diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of ONFH. The current guideline provides recommendations for ONFH with respect to epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, staging, treatment, as well as rehabilitation. Risk factors of non-traumatic ONFH include corticosteroid use, alcohol abuse, dysbarism, sickle cell disease and autoimmune disease and others, but the etiology remains unclear. The Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) staging system, including plain radiograph, magnetic resonance imaging, radionuclide examination, and histological findings, is frequently used in staging ONFH. A staging and classification system was proposed by Chinese scholars in recent years. The major differential diagnoses include mid-late term osteoarthritis, transient osteoporosis, and subchondral insufficiency fracture. Management alternatives for ONFH consist of non-operative treatment and operative treatment. Core decompression is currently the most common procedure used in the early stages of ONFH. Vascularized bone grafting is the recommended treatment for ARCO early stage III ONFH. This guideline gives a brief account of principles for selection of treatment for ONFH, and stage, classification, volume of necrosis, joint function, age of the patient, patient occupation, and other factors should be taken into consideration.

Effect of local application of tranexamic acid on the hidden blood loss after total hip arthroplasty

Objective To assess the impact of local application of tranexamic acid on the hidden blood loss after unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods Between September 2014 and December 2015, 82 patients underwent primary unilateral THA because of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. They were divided into an experimental group and a control group. In the experimental group, there were 42 patients, 24 males and 18 females; according to the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) classification, necrosis of the femoral head was type Ⅲ in 8 cases of and type Ⅳ in 34. In the control group, there were 40 patients, 22 males and 18 females; according to ARCO classification, necrosis of the femoral head was type Ⅲ in 7 cases and type Ⅳ in 33. In the experimental group, tranexamic acid was injected around the hip joint and into the hip articular cavity. In the control group, a same amount of physiological saline was injected around the hip joint and into the hip articular cavity. The 2 groups were compared postoperatively in terms of total blood loss, hidden blood loss, difference in diameter of the affected thigh, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, D-dimer concentration, and incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Results The postoperative total blood loss and hidden blood loss in the experimental group (875.2±79.6 mL and 476.3±54.8 mL) were significantly less than those in the control group (1,262.7±105.2 mL and 683.5±75.9 mL) (P 0.05). DVT happened 2 weeks after surgery in 3 cases in the experimental group and in 4 cases in the control group. Conclusion Intraoperative local use of tranexamic acid can significantly reduce postoperative total and hidden blood loss, and effectively decrease swelling of the thigh, but does not increase the risk of DVT. Key words: Arthroplasty, replacement, hip; Tranexamic acid; Postoperative hemorrhage; Embolism and thrombosis

COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT CORE DECOMPRESSION TECHNIQUES FOR TREATMENT OF EARLY STAGES OF OSTEONECROSIS OF THE FEMORAL HEAD

Today one of the most interesting organ surgical interventions for patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head are still different core decompression procedure. However, in the literature, we could not find any indication on what stage of the disease is different proposed techniques is the most effective.Purpose of the study compare the results of different methods of core decompression in the early stages of the disease, before the development of hip osteoarthritis.Materials and methods. From 2006 to 2015 we treated 84 patients (96 hips) with a diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The mean age of patients was 37,4±9,1 (from 18 to 71) years. Classification Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) was used to determine the stage of the disease. 20 patients core decompression performed on stage II, 71 stage III and 5 in stage IV of disease. Core decompression by one tunnel 9 mm diameter was performed in 55 cases, and in 33 cases, the destruction of the core to the healthy bone has been made. Grafting of the residual cavity has been made by allogeneic bone, calcium sulfate, a combination of calcium sulfate and p3-calcium phosphate and p3-calcium phosphate. Eight joints operated by core decompression multiple tunnels of small diameter without subsequent plastic tunnels. We assessed the results on the basis of X-ray and CT scan data of the operated hip, and according to Oxford Hip Score at 3, 6 and 12 months, and then once in 1 year after surgery. In case of subsequent hip replacement was performed pathological examination area of core osteonecrosis of the femoral head.Results. The average period of follow-up was 31,6 months (from 12 to 110 months). Preventing hip arthroplasty during this time managed in 43 cases (44.8%), 53 joints (55.2%), total hip replacement has been made in the period from 4 to 72 months (average 21.6 months) from the date of implementation of core decompression. The greater the number of good and satisfactory results have shown methods aimed at complete destruction of nonviable bone on the border of core osteonecrosis healthy bone.Frequency of hip replacement is directly dependent on the stage of the disease.In the second stage of the disease hip replacement made in 4 cases (20%) at the third stage satisfactory performance were observed mainly in the case of small and medium sized core osteonecrosis of the femoral head (4, 18 and 16 of the joints 27, respectively). In the fourth stage of the disease arthroplasty was performed in all five cases.Conclusions. Different techniques of core decompression are most effective before the formation of the Impressions of the loaded part of the femoral head, which corresponds to stage III ARCO classification inclusive. Efficacy techniques depends not only on the stage but also on the size and location core of osteonecrosis.

Efficacy of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy for osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A three-year follow-up study.

This is a retrospective analysis of the clinical effects of transplant of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). The biological characteristics of hUC-MSCs were assessed using flow cytometry. Nine eligible patients were enrolled in the study as they adhered to the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) classification of stage II–IIIa, and hUC-MSCs were grafted by intra-arterial infusion. Organize effective perfusion was assessed using the oxygen delivery index (ODI). The results showed that the ODI was increased at three days post-operation. The MRI results revealed that at 12 and 24 months after treatment, the necrotic volume of the femoral heads was significantly reduced. No obvious abnormalities were observed. Taken together, these data indicate that intra-arterially infused hUC-MSCs migrate into the necrotic field of femoral heads and differentiate into osteoblasts, thus improving the necrosis of femoral heads. This finding suggested that intra-arterial infusion of hUC-MSCs MSCs is a feasible and relatively safe method for the treatment of femoral head necrosis.

Porous Tantalum Implant in Treating Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: Still a Viable Option?

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the survivorship and risk factors for radiographic progression and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) after porous tantalum implant surgery in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). The study comprised 90 ONFH patients (104 consecutive hips) who were treated with a porous tantalum implant combined with bone grafting between June 2008 and December 2013. The patients were 19–61 years of age (mean age, 38 years). The mean follow-up was 42 months. The outcome measures included Harris hip score (HHS), radiographic outcome measures, and survivorship analysis with conversion to THA as the endpoint. The mean postoperative HHS was significantly lower than the mean preoperative HHS (P < 0.001). The Cox proportional hazards model showed that age and Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage were independent risk factors for conversion to THA, while age, China-Japan Friendship Hospital (CJFH) type, and ARCO stage were independent risk factors for radiological progression. Ultimately, only 52.9% hips survived. Porous tantalum implant surgery combined with bone grafting is not a viable option for treating ONFH, especially in patients >35 years of age with preoperative ARCO stage III and CJFH type L3.

Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head Treated with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy: Analysis of Short-term Clinical Outcomes of Treatment with Radiologic Staging.

PurposeTo evaluate clinical results of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) with radiographic staging on patients with avascular necrosis of femoral head (AVNFH).Materials and MethodsWe evaluated 24 patients diagnosed with AVNFH (32 hip joints) who were treated with ESWT from 1993 to 2012. Average follow-up period was 27 months, and the average age of patients was 47.8 years. The Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) system was used to grade radiographic stage prior to treatment. For this study patients were divided into two groups based on their ARCO stage, group 1 (ARCO stages I and II) and group 2 (ARCO stage III). Comparative analyses were done between the two groups using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and the Harris hip score (HHS) at pre-treatment and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment. Failure was defined when radiographic stage progressed or arthroplasty surgery was needed due to clinical exacerbation.ResultsBoth groups showed clinical improvements with VAS scoring at final follow-up (group 1: median 7 to 1.5, P<0.001; group 2: mean 7 to 4, P=0.056). Using HHS, group 1 showed a significant improvement (from 65.5 to 95 [P<0.001]), while no significance was observed for group 2 (P=0.280). At final follow-up, 3 hips from group 1 and one hip from group 2 showed radiographic improvement; however, two patients underwent total hip arthroplasty due to persistent pain and dysfunction.ConclusionESWT can be considered as an interventional option before surgical treatment in patients with not only early stage AVNFH but also with mid stage.

S3-Leitline. Teil 1: Diagnostik und Differenzialdiagnostik der atraumatischen Femurkopfnekrose (aFKN) des Erwachsenen

Non-traumatic femoral head necrosis (FHN) is primarily a disease of the middle-aged adult. Early diagnosis, at a time with lacking or minimal clinical symptoms, is mandatory to consider conservative therapy or joint preserving operations as a therapeutic option. The new German S3 guideline about diagnosis and therapy of FHN is a cooperative effort of five professional medical societies, overall headed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie (DGOOC). This review (part I/III) cites and explains the statements of the S3 guideline as agreed on the use of imaging methods for diagnosis of FHN. A diagnostic algorithm is presented. FHN clinically has to be considered in case of equivocal pain of a hip joint with a minimum of 6 weeks duration, when risk factors can be revealed, groin pain at clinical investigation, limping, pain or limitation of movement in case of load, and no obvious differential diagnoses. Is an FHN clinically suspected, primarily radiographs of the pelvis ap and a Lauenstein projection of the hip involved should be carried out. When the radiographs are normal, an MRI of the hips should follow routinely. MRI allows the diagnosis of FNH with high accuracy. Furthermore, MRI reveals the site and the size of the necrotic area involved and evaluates the integrity of the joint surface and subchondral fractures. When ARCO stage II (ARCO: Association Research Circulation Osseous) is diagnosed and MRI does not allow one to determine the joint surface with certainty, a CT of the hip joints should be performed. The S3 guideline explains and recommends the use of the ARCO classification. Although, this classification of 1993 is still largely based on radiographs, the pragmatic use of an "extended" version seems reasonable. Today, classical radiographic criteria like impression of the joint surface and subchondral fractures ("crescent sign") are better to be evaluated by MRI, in cases of subtle findings MRI is even surpassed by CT. The extent of the necrosis in the femoral head as well as the size of the surface area involved is best revealed with MRI. Additionally, in the era of cross sectional imaging a stage "0" seems obsolete. The guideline also addresses practically important considerations about the differential diagnosis of misleading MRI findings. This especially holds true for bone marrow oedema in the femoral head which may be misinterpreted. The differentiating features between FHN, transient bone marrow oedema and destructive arthropathy are discussed.

Sartorius muscle-pedicle bone graft for osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

This study summarises the clinical efficacy of sartorius muscle-pedicle bone graft in osteonecrosis of the femoral head. A total of 58 patients, including 53 men (61 hips) and five women (6 hips) with osteonecrosis of the femoral head, underwent sartorius muscle-pedicle bone grafting. Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) staging was performed. The ARCO staging revealed 23 hips of stage I, 36 hips of stage II and eight hips of stage III. The average surgical duration was 65minutes (range 45-90minutes). A total of 55 (64 hips) of the 58 patients undergoing surgery were followed up, with a mean follow-up duration of 34.48months (range, 24-48 months) and a median of 34months. The outcome was excellent in 27, good in 24, normal in two, and poor in 11 hips, with a total good rating of 79.68%. The Harris score of the hip joints in the last follow-up was significantly improved compared with pre-surgical scores (P < 0.01). Imaging results showed that 21 hips were improved, 31 hips were stabilized and 12 hips were aggravated (of which 9 hips underwent total hip replacement). The survival rate of femoral head was 81.25%. Sartorius muscle-pedicle bone graft significantly promotes repair of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, improves the Harris score of the hip joints, with good clinical efficacy. It effectively improves the survival rate of femoral head, delaying or preventing artificial hip replacement.

Outcome of the treatment of osteonecrosis of femoral head using the core decompression with bone impaction grafting.

To evaluate the outcome of core decompression with bone impaction grafting for the treatment of osteonecrosis of femoral head. Totally 39 cases (46 hips) of osteonecrosis of femoral head were treated with core decompression and impaction bone grafting. According to the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) system, 3 hips were graded for stage 1,16 for stage 2a,7 for 2b,11 for 2c, and 9 for 3.The Harris hip score (HHS) was evaluated before operation and at the latest follow-up. In all these patients, 22 hips had hormone-related lesions, 11 had alcohol-related lesions, and 13 had idiopathic lesions. The average HHS was changed from (66 ± 6.6) before surgery to (80.2 ± 9.7) after surgery during an average follow-up of 26 months(from 9 to 48 months). The postoperative HHS showed no significant difference among osteonecrosis of femoral head due to different etiologies.Also,the postoperative HHS and clinical effectiveness were not significantly different among patients with different preoperative stages.The postoperative outcome was excellent in 7 cases, good in 23 cases, mild in 4 cases,and poor in 12 cases. The rate of excellent and good was 65% in this series,with 78% for patients with early stages and 52.6% for those with grade 2c or higher lesions. The femoral head collapsed in 7 cases,and 5 of which were preoperatively graded as in stage 2c and higher. The postoperative complications included intertrochanteric fracture (n=1) and infection (n=1). Four hips were converted to total hip arthroplasty. All of other hips had no obvious progression of osteonecrosis. Core decompression with bone impaction allografting is effective for the treatment of osteonecrosis of femoral head. Patients with lesions in earlier ARCO stages can have better outcomes.

The Role of Patient Activation in Achieving Better Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness in Patient Care.

Patient X, a fifty-two-year-old Caucasian male, presents in clinic with a chief symptom of ongoing intermittent pain, radiating along the ilioinguinal area toward the groin, bilaterally for the past year with the left side more severe than the right side. His current medical issues include alcoholism; a thirty-five-year, three-pack-a-day smoking history; and morbid obesity with a body mass index of 55 kg/m2. He has hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension. After all other diagnoses are ruled out, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and radiographs show a classic Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage-II osteonecrosis on the right hip with no femoral head collapse and ARCO stage-III …