Unilateral Osteonecrosis Of The Femoral Head Research Articles

Visualization of acetabular coverage with radar chart before and after curved periacetabular osteotomy in dysplastic hips

BackgroundCurved periacetabular osteotomy (CPO) is indicated for patients with developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH) to prevent progressive osteoarthritis. Patients with DDH have not only lateral acetabulum dysplasia but also anterior and posterior dysplasia. The full circumference acetabular coverage angle (ACA) of the femoral head should be evaluated preoperatively. This study aimed to determine the full circumference ACA in the patients with DDH before and after CPO compared with the coverage in normal patients. MethodsTwenty-three patients (a total of 24 hips) with DDH undergoing CPO between February 2006 and March 2014 were included in this study. The normal group was defined as the normal side in patients with unilateral osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) and the non-collapsed femoral head side in patients with bilateral ONFH. Pre- and postoperative hip functions were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) hip score. ACA was measured using pre- and postoperative three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) and described as a clock using a radar chart. The ACA of the normal group was evaluated in the same manner as that for patients who underwent CPO. The ACA before CPO was compared with the ACA after CPO, the ACA before CPO was compared with that of the normal group and the ACA after CPO was compared with that of the normal group at each location. ResultsThe mean JOA hip scores improved significantly from 69 preoperatively to 88 postoperatively. The superior, posterior, and anterior ACA after CPO significantly increased and the inferior ACA decreased compared with ACA before CPO. The superior, posterior, and anterior ACA before CPO were significantly smaller than ACA in the normal group. The ACA after CPO were similar to the normal group. ConclusionsCPO improved the anterosuperior coverage of the femoral head but reduced its inferior coverage. The radar chart could visualize acetabulum full circumference and was useful for three-dimensional pre-postoperative evaluation.

Comparisons of Ultrasound-Guided Platelet-Rich Plasma Intra-Articular Injection and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Treating ARCO I-III Symptomatic Non-Traumatic Femoral Head Necrosis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background and ObjectiveOsteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a devastating disease, and there is some evidence that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection might alleviate pain and improve joint function in individuals with ONFH. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of PRP and ESWT in symptomatic ONFH patients.MethodsA total of 60 patients aged 40–79 with unilateral ONFH at Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stages I, II, and III were randomly assigned to the PRP (N=30) or the ESWT group (N=30). Four treatment sessions were provided in both groups. Assessments were performed at baseline, and 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month. Primary outcomes were measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs). Secondary outcomes were assessed by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Harris Hip Score (HHS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The linear mixed-model analysis was used to evaluate the differences between groups and within groups and the “group by time” interaction effects.ResultsThere were significant differences between groups in terms of changes over time for VAS, PPTs, WOMAC, and HHS since 3-month and maintained up to 12-month (P<0.05, except for PPTs at 12-month). The simple main effects showed that the patients in PRP group had greater improvements in VAS (mean difference = −0.82, 95% CI [−1.39, −0.25], P=0.005), WOMAC (mean difference = −4.19, 95% CI [−7.00, −1.37], P=0.004), and HHS (mean difference = 5.28, 95% CI [1.94, 8.62], P=0.002). No related adverse events were reported.ConclusionThis study supported the effectiveness and safety of both the PRP injection and ESWT in treating ONFH patients. For symptomatic patients with ONFH, intra-articular PRP injection appeared superior to ESWT in pain relief and functional improvement.

High Pelvic Incidence Is Associated with Disease Progression in Nontraumatic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head.

Although several factors exacerbate osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), little is known about whether pelvic sagittal parameters are associated with a greater risk of ONFH progression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between pelvic sagittal parameters and disease progression (collapse of the femoral head) in patients with nontraumatic ONFH. From March 2010 through December 2016, we saw 401 patients with unilateral ONFH diagnosed at an outpatient clinic using plain radiography and MRI that were retrospectively reviewed. Of those, 276 patients met our inclusion criteria: Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) Stage I or II nontraumatic unilateral ONFH without femoral head collapse, older than 18 years, and no prior surgical treatment. In all, 74% (203 of 276) of hips had complete follow-up (clinical and radiographic) at a minimum of 2 years. The pelvic sagittal parameters (pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, and sacral slope) of all patients were measured with standing radiographs by two observers. Progression of disease and potential collapse of the femoral head of all patients (ARCO Stage ≥ III) was examined using radiography every 2 to 3 months after the first outpatient clinic visit. If patients with intractable pain associated with collapse of the femoral head did not respond to nonoperative treatment, THA was performed during the follow-up period. The patients were divided into two groups for comparison: those whose femoral head collapsed within 12 months (rapid progression group) and those whose femoral head did not collapse (nonrapid progression group). The rapid progression group consisted of 49 men and 55 women with a mean age of 55 years; the nonrapid progression group consisted of 60 men and 39 women with a mean age of 56 years. Factors such as age, sex, BMI, size of necrotic lesions, location of necrosis, necrosis risk factor associated with the rapid progression of disease were analyzed using an exploratory univariate analysis followed by a multivariate analysis. Pelvic incidence (53° ± 9° versus 49° ± 7°; p < 0.01) and sacral slope (38° ± 9° versus 33° ± 7°; p < 0.01) were greater in the rapid progression group than in the non-rapid progression group. After accounting for potentially confounding variables like age, sex, BMI, size of necrotic lesions, location of necrosis, and necrosis risk factors, the only variable we found that was independently associated with more rapid disease progression was high (> 55°) pelvic incidence (odds ratio, 0.95 [95% CI 0.91 to 0.99]; p = 0.03). After controlling for potential confounders such as age, sex, BMI, size of necrotic lesions, location of necrosis, and necrosis risk factors, we found that a high pelvic incidence was associated with a greater likelihood of femoral head collapse in patients with nontraumatic ONFH. Assessing pelvic sagittal parameters in patients with early nontraumatic ONFH may help anticipate which patients are at risk for femoral head collapse, but future prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings. Level III, therapeutic study.

Normal Ischiofemoral Distance and Its Associated Factors: Computed Tomography–Based Study

The purposes of this study are (1) to measure the ischiofemoral distance (IFD) in nondiseased hips and (2) to reveal patient demographic and anatomical factors associated with IFD. In this retrospective study, we identified patients who had unilateral osteonecrosis of the femoral head on computed tomography (CT) scan from November 2005 to July 2018 and assessed the unaffected contralateral hips of the patients. Among the contralateral hips, we excluded hips with hip pain, incomplete or poor-quality CT image, incomplete medical record, degenerative arthritis of the hip, or previous hip surgery. IFD was measured on the axial CT image, and correlated demographic factors (age, sex, height, weight, and body mass index) and anatomical parameters (neck-shaft angle of the femur and femoral anteversion) with IFD were evaluated. Five hundred seventeen patients (517 hips) were evaluated. There were 302 men and 215 women, and their mean age was 51.7years (range 15-83years). The mean IFD was 33.2 (±9.2) mm in men and 24.3 (±8.9) mm in women (P < .001). Interobserver and intraobserver reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients) were 0.99 (95% confidence interval 0.98-1.0) and 0.98 (95% confidence interval 0.97-0.99), respectively. The mean neck-shaft angle was 129.31° ± 5.04° in males and 129.93° ± 6.29° in females. The mean femoral anteversion was 9.72° ± 7.95° in males and 12.61° ± 8.91° in females. IFD was positively correlated with height (correlation coefficient [r]=0.464, P < .001) and weight (0.286, P < .001), whereas it was negatively correlated with age (-0.198, P < .001), neck-shaft angle (-0.123, P= .005), and femoral anteversion (-0.346, P < .001). There was no correlation between body mass index and IFD (P= .522). In multivariate regression analysis, IFD was positively associated with height (β=.632), and negatively associated with neck-shaft angle of the femur and femoral anteversion (β= -0.155 and -0.328. respectively). In asymptomatic hips, the mean IFD was 33.2 ± 9.2mm in males and 24.3 ±8.9mm in females. The IFD was positively correlated with height and negatively with neck-shaft angle of the femur and femoral anteversion. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Relative factors and follow up research of asymptomatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Objective: To evaluate the progress and influence factors of asymptomatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head(ONFH). Methods: MRI was performed on the contralateral hips of 174 patients with unilateral symptomatic ONFH who admitted at Department of Orthopaedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2012 to December 2018. Eighty-three of 174 patients with unilateral ONFH were found suffering from contralateral ONFH(47.7%), of which 77 patients were followed up.There were 28 males and 49 females with age of 48.6 years (range: 21-73 years). The pathogenesis, ARCO classfication, areas and position of osteonecrosis were collected.Independent sample t test, χ(2) test, Fisher exact test, multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the potential influence factors. Results: Patients were followed up for 36.7 months. During the following up period, ARCO classification of 28 patients (36.4%) progressed.The progress of asymptomatic ONFH was not related to the gender, age and original ARCO classification, but related to the pathogenesis, position and area of osteonecrosis (all P<0.05). Conclusion: The progress of asymptomatic osteonecrosis is related to the pathogenesis, position and area of osteonecrosis,but most of asymptomatic ONFH will not progress.

Volume of hip synovitis detected on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is associated with disease severity after collapse in osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

To evaluate the relationship between the volume of hip synovitis detected on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the disease stage of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Sixty-three consecutive hips in 40 ONFH patients were reviewed using contrast-enhanced MRI. Ten unaffected hips in 10 patients with unilateral ONFH were used as controls. Based on the Japanese Investigation Committee system, these hips were classified according to stage and type. The volume and location of hip synovitis were semi-quantitatively measured on contrast-enhanced MRI. Clinicoradiological factors were statistically analyzed to determine the relationship with the volume of hip synovitis. The mean synovial volume was significantly larger in ONFH hips (8,020 ± 6,900mm3) than in controls (910 ± 1,320mm3; p = 0.001). The area of synovitis in the anterior portion of the hip joint was double (mean: 2.17 ± 1.77) that in the posterior portion. The volume of synovitis was small in pre-collapse-stage hips (stage 1: 680 ± 690mm3, stage 2: 1,460 ± 1,200mm3), but significantly larger in post-collapse-stage hips (stage 3A: 7,820 ± 4,490mm3, stage 3B: 13,850 ± 7,110mm3; p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that disease stage was the only factor related to hip synovitis. Our study suggests that hip synovitis in ONFH might occur after femoral head collapse and worsen with collapse progression, mainly in the anterior portion.

Hip preserving surgery with concentrated autologous bone marrow aspirate transplantation for the treatment of asymptomatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head: retrospective review of clinical and radiological outcomes at 6\xa0years postoperatively

BackgroundWe had previously established concentrated autologous bone marrow aspirate transplantation (CABMAT), a one-step, low-invasive, joint-preserving surgical technique for treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of CABMAT as a hip preserving surgical approach, preventing femoral head collapse in asymptomatic ONFH.MethodsIn total, 222 patients (341 hips) with ONFH were treated with CABMAT between April 2003 and March 2013. Based on magnetic resonance imaging, we determined that 119 of these patients had bilateral asymptomatic ONFH (238 hips), and 38 further patients had unilateral asymptomatic ONFH (38 hips). In this series, we retrospectively examined 31 hips in 31 patients with unilateral asymptomatic ONFH treated surgically between 2003 and 2012 and followed up for more than 2 years. Clinical and radiological evaluation were performed immediately before the procedure and at the final follow-up. The two-year follow-up rate among patients with unilateral ONFH was 82% (31/38). Therefore, the present study included 31 patients (19 males and 12 females), with a mean age and follow-up period of 40 and 5.8 years, respectively. Of the 31 asymptomatic hips, 5, 6, 10, and 10 had osteonecrosis of types A, B, C1, and C2, respectively. The diagnosis, classification, and staging of ONFH were based on the 2001 Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) classification.ResultsSecondary collapse of the femoral head was observed in 6/10 hips and 5/10 hips with osteonecrosis of types C1 and C2, respectively. Total hip arthroplasty was performed in 9.6% of patients (3/31 hips), at an average of 33 months after surgery. Clinical symptoms improved after surgery, and the secondary collapse rate at a mean of 5.8 years after CABMAT was lower than that reported in several previous studies on the natural course of asymptomatic ONFH.ConclusionsEarly diagnosis of ONFH (i.e., before femoral head collapse) and early intervention with CABMAT could improve the clinical outcome of corticosteroid and alcohol-induced ONFH.

Radiological morphology variances of transient osteoporosis of the hip.

Although several morphological abnormalities or variances of the hip joint have been proposed to be associated with hip joint degeneration, few studies have investigated any radiological features in patients with transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the morphological variances of the hip joint in TOH patients radiographically. The TOH group consisted of 31 hips in 31 patients. Age- and gender-matched asymptomatic hips in patients with unilateral osteonecrosis of the femoral head were served as controls. Radiographs and MRI were utilized to examine the following parameters: acetabular dysplasia, acetabular overcoverage, acetabular retroversion, and asphericity of the femoral head-neck junction. Also, localization of the main bone marrow edema (BME) lesion was investigated. TOH patients had a significantly higher incidence of acetabular retroversion (52% with a positive cross-over sign and 29% with posterior wall deficiency) than the controls (13%, P=0.0023; 6%, P=0.043, respectively), which was also confirmed by smaller acetabular anteversion angles on axial MRI. In addition, TOH patients tended to show asphericity of the anterior femoral head-neck junction compared to controls (39% vs. 13%, P=0.040). In 90% of the TOH patients, the main BME lesion was located in the subchondral area of the superior portion of the femoral head, and 77% of the lesion were recognized as a band-like pattern in MRI. Acetabular retroversion and asphericity of the femoral head-neck junction were more commonly observed in TOH patients compared to controls. The main BME lesion was most frequently located in the superior portion of the femoral head.

Predicting necrotic femoral head collapse using computed tomographic and X-ray imaging before hip arthroplasty: study protocol and results of a single-center, open-label, diagnostic trial

Background and objectives: Determining whether the femoral head collapses and the degree of collapse of the articular cartilage of the femoral head can help select the best surgical treatment plan for patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Currently, articular cartilage collapse > 2 mm or Design: A single-center, open-label, diagnostic trial. Methods: We proposed, and subsequently conducted, a single-center, open-label, diagnostic trial at the Third Hospital, Hebei Medical University, China. Eighty-six patients with unilateral osteonecrosis of the femoral head who underwent total hip arthroplasty were randomized into three groups. In the X-ray group, changes in femoral head height were measured on anteroposterior X-ray images of the pelvis (healthy and affected sides of the hip) at preoperative week 1. In the CT group, changes in femoral head height were measured using bilateral hip CT scans (healthy side and affected side) at preoperative week 1. In the specimen group, the femoral head on the affected side was resected surgically and measured directly with a ruler and vernier caliper. The primary outcome of the trial was the sensitivity of the three methods to detect femoral head collapse. The secondary outcomes were specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic accuracy of the three methods to detect femoral head collapse; the consistency of X-ray and CT scans to diagnosis femoral head collapse; changes in the height of the middle, medial, and lateral femoral head measured by the three methods; and morphological changes in the femoral head observed by the three methods. Results: Changes in the height of the femoral head detected by different methods: The heights of the middle, medial and lateral femoral head were not significantly different on the affected side (P > 0.05). Discussion: This trial analyzed femoral head height using X-ray, CT, ruler and vernier caliper to precisely predict collapse of the necrotic femoral head, and provides imaging guidance for clinicians to select the best surgical management for osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03351153.

Effect of Preoperative Leg Length Discrepancy on Functional Outcome and Patient Satisfaction After Total Hip Arthroplasty in Cases of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head

BackgroundSevere preoperative leg length discrepancy (LLD) can lead to poor preoperative functional status in patients with extensive osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). This study aimed to assess the effect of preoperative LLD on functional outcomes and patient satisfaction post-total hip arthroplasty (THA) in ONFH patients. MethodsTwenty-two patients with severe LLD (≥15 mm) and 44 patients with mild LLD (<15 mm) on preoperative radiographs were enrolled as the study group and control group, respectively. All 66 patients were diagnosed with unilateral ONFH. Patients' functional outcomes (Harris Hip Score [HHS], Oxford Hip Score [OHS], patient-perceived LLD, Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] pain score, and Limping Assessment]) and satisfaction (self-administered patient satisfaction scale) were evaluated at 3 and 12 months after THA. ResultsAt 3 months after THA, the study group had poorer outcomes in terms of the HHS (P = .002) and OHS (P = .002), a higher prevalence of patient-perceived LLD (P = .002), and worse limping (P < .001) than the control group, but the self-administered patient satisfaction scale and VAS pain scores did not differ. However, improvements in the HHS and OHS from preoperative assessment to 3 months were comparable in both groups. At 12 months after THA, there were no significant differences in functional outcomes or self-satisfaction, and the study group showed significantly greater improvements from preoperative assessment to 12 months (P < .05). ConclusionPatients with severe LLD experienced similar improvement at 3 months after THA as those with mild LLD in terms of the HHS and OHS but showed greater improvement at 12 months postoperatively than patients with mild LLD.

Alcohol-associated osteonecrosis of the femoral head with subsequent development in the contralateral hip: A report of two cases

Although the pathogenesis of non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) has not been clarified, high-dose oral corticosteroid therapy and heavy consumption of alcohol have been associated with its occurrence [1e3]. Epidemiological surveys in Japan have found that 34% of ONFH patients have a history of heavy alcohol consumption [1]. The necrotic area of ONFH is determinedwhen it occurs, and the possibility of necrotic area extension is extremely low even if the patient continues taking oral corticosteroids or consuming large quantities of alcohol. The probability of ONFH occurring in both femoral heads is 50e80% [4], with bilateral ONFH thought to occur at almost the same time. Patients with unilateral ONFH rarely develop new ONFH in the contralateral hip. To our knowledge, only two previous case reports have described the occurrence of new ONFH in the contralateral hip: one with alcohol associated ONFH [5] and the other accompanying an increased dosage of corticosteroid [6]. This report describes two patients with alcoholassociated ONFH who developed ONFH of the contralateral hip following treatment of the first side. The patients and their families were informed that data from the cases would be submitted for publication, and gave their consent.

Contralateral osteonecrosis of the femoral head newly developed after increasing the dose of corticosteroids

Nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a debilitating disorder that commonly affects 30to 50-year-old individuals, with corticosteroid use being one of the major causative factors [1]. Although the precise pathogenesis of corticosteroid-induced ONFH remains unclear, both high-dose oral corticosteroid therapy and corticosteroid pulse treatment have been reported to be risk factors, highlighting the importance of the dose of corticosteroids in the development of corticosteroid-induced osteonecrosis [2–7]. Corticosteroid-induced osteonecrosis often affects both femoral heads (50–70 %), and bilateral ONFH is considered to develop concurrently [1, 2]. In contrast, in patients with unilateral ONFH, it is rare that new osteonecrotic lesions subsequently develop in the contralateral femoral head. To our knowledge, there are no reports in the literature regarding the development of new corticosteroidinduced ONFH lesions on the contralateral side. Here we report the case of a patient who developed new ONFH in the contralateral hip after increasing the dose of corticosteroids for a different underlying disease. We clearly indicate that written informed consent for publication was obtained from the patient. Case report

Modified surgical techniques of free vascularized fibular grafting for treatment of the osteonecrosis of femoral head: Results from a series of 407 cases

The goal for treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is to relieve pain, preserve the contour of the femoral head, and delay the need for total hip arthroplasty. The free vascularized fibular grafting (FVFG) has been shown to support the subchondral architecture as well as restore local circulation for the necrotic femoral head in treatment of ONFH. This report aimed to present the clinical results of the use of a modified surgical technique of FVFG for treatment of ONFH. Four hundred and seven patients with 578 hips of ONFH were included. The patients' average age was 36.7 years old (ranging 19-55 years old). The disease was staged from II to V based on the Steinberg classification system. By the modified procedure, the vascularized fibular graft was harvested via a lateral incision with fibular osteotomy prior to the exposure of the vascular pedicle, and the removal of necrotic tissue and inset of graft were performed through an anterior approach. The operative time averaged 90 min for unilateral ONFH (ranging 75-110 min) and 190 min for simultaneous treatment of bilateral ONFH (ranging 160-230 min). The average length of follow-up was 5.0 years (ranging 3-10 years). The complications included one infection in one case, temporary loss of sensation of the thigh in eleven cases, and restricted motion of the great toe in nine cases. The Harris hip score of patients improved from 65.0 to 86.9 on average. Radiographic evaluation showed no changes in 331 hips (57.3%), improvement in 195 hips (33.7%) and necrosis progression in 52 hips (9.0%). Twenty-three hips (4.0%) in 20 patients had total hip arthroplasty during the period. These results show that the modified technique of the use of FVFG for treatment of ONFH yields similar postoperative results in comparison to the traditional method.

Pain relief following osteonecrosis of the femoral head treated by free vascularized fibular grafting.

Pain is the core and basic problem in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, it is unclear about the status of pain relief following ONFH treated by free vascularized fibular grafting (FVFG) and the level of pain relief contributed to clinical results. Therefore, we designed a consecutive and prospective study to investigate post-operative pain relief in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head by FVFG. One hundred and fifty-one patients with unilateral osteonecrosis of the femoral head were enrolled consecutively for current prospective study from January to August of 2006. Patients were managed by modified technique of free vascularized fibular grafting. Pre-operative, post-operative Harris hip score (HHS) and Harris pain score (HPS) were recorded and compared statistically, meanwhile, correlation between disease severity and Harris hip score, Harris pain score were revealed. All patients had an average follow-up of 54.3months. Post-operative Harris hip score could be improved from 73.7 to 83.5 averagely in stage-II patients, 64.6 to 78.9 in stage-III, and 53.6 to 72.4 in stage-IV. As for Harris pain score, it was elevated from 28.8 to 38.6 in stage-II patients, 25.5 to 36.6 in stage-III, and 21.8 to 34.2 in stage-IV. Taken together, HHS was improved from 67.7 to 80.3 (ΔHHS=12.6), and HPS was improved from 26.6 to 37.3 (ΔHPS=10.7) averagely. Harris pain score could be employed to monitor prognosis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head treated by free vascularized fibular grafting. Improvement of HPS was the heaviest contributor to elevation of HHS, and both of them conceived of a close relationship with disease severity.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head in Japanese adults after liver transplantation: a preliminary report

Patients who are treated with high-dose corticosteroids as an immunosuppressive therapy are at high risk of developing osteonecrosis, especially in the femoral head. We examined whether symptomatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) would be a clinical problem after liver transplantation. From June 1990 to December 2001, a total of 169 patients underwent liver transplantation at the Shinshu University Hospital. Within this group, 65 patients were more than 18 years old at the time of surgery, and all were enrolled in the present study. All patients were referred to the Orthopaedic Department of Shinshu University Hospital when they experienced musculoskeletal symptoms, including hip or groin pain. In addition, they were informed of the potential risk of osteonecrosis associated with immunosuppressive therapy after the liver transplant. As result, the patients were advised to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) check for osteonecrosis after transplant surgery. In terms of outcomes, none of the patients presented with symptomatic hip difficulties due to osteonecrosis. Additional clinical investigation revealed that of the 18 patients who underwent MRI screening, only one was found to have asymptomatic unilateral ONFH. In conclusion, ONFH after liver transplantation has not been a clinical problem for our patients.