ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical outcomes of artificial bone (hydroxyapatite) and bone cement implantation in treating young patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head caused by different reasons. METHODS: A total of 18 patients (23 hips) with Ficat stage Ⅲ and Ⅱ avascular necrosis of the femoral head were treated with dead bone debridement, artificial bone and cement implantation in Department of Orthopedics, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical College from October 2003 to July 2008. The patients were followed up for 24.6 months (ranging 3 months to 5 years). The affected hip function was evaluated by modified Merled'Aubigne Scores and X-ray. RESULTS: Mean hip scores improved significantly from 11.65 to 15.09 after surgery. Postoperative radiographs demonstrated the improved collapse and restoration of femoral head sphericity. The femoral heads of most patients remained the appearance after surgery, and the necrosis range did not enlarge. The patients were satisfactory to the treatment results. CONCLUSION: Artificial bone and cement implantation could restore head sphericity and prevent further collapse. The method can be used as an alternative for treatment of avascular necrosis of femoral head at Ficat stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ, especially for young patients.