RESUMEN
To explore the effect of application of soft tissue loosening and acetabular reconstruction in hip replacement for patients with severe femoral head necrosis on joint function. Methods: From June 2012 to August 2016, 68 patients with severe femoral head necrosis (Ficat III, IV) underwent total hip replacement with soft tissue release and acetabular reconstruction at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Total hip replacement is performed by the posterolateral approach. The acetabulum was rebuilt and the length of the affected limb was prolonged after clearing the scar tissue, proliferating the epiphysis, releasing the abductor muscle group and the adductor muscle group, dissecting the soft tissue around the acetabulum. One year after surgery, Harris score, X-ray positive lateral radiograph for the affected side and full-length X-ray examination for both lower extremities were performed to evaluate the curative effect. Results: The postoperative follow-up time ranged from 1.0 to 5.5 years. All patients' femoral heads returned to normal anatomical position and the affected limb length was restored to 1.5-3.5 cm; all patients did not damage the sciatic nerve. The Harris scores for 68 patients increased from 38.6±7.5 to 78.2±5.7 (P=0.029) in the first year after surgery. Conclusion: During hip replacement surgery for severe femoral head necrosis, soft tissue dissection and acetabular reconstruction can be used to ensure anatomical reconstruction for the acetabular fossa and to improve abductor function.