Avascular necrosis of the femoral head in Kirkuk

ABSTRACT

Osteonecrosis of the head of femur is of serious consequences. The aetiology is of vascular origin, medications like corticosteroid can contribute in to the aetiology. Management depends on the stage of the disease. In the current study we explore the associated factors and the management of this disease in a well-defined population. Between October 2009 and December 2010, a retrospective study was carried out on patients with osteonecrosis of the hip [28 hips] in twenty three patients [8 female, 15 male], with mean age of 43 years. Three patients underwent core decompression, and three underwent total hip replacement, one of them was bilateral. corticosteroid was the main associated factor, the indications for the administration of this medication were not appropriate, yet it was given by the health professionals for musculoskeletal pain. Those patients who underwent core decompression had limited benefit, those treated with conservative treatment, continued to suffer from pain, two of those who underwent hip replacement, were satisfied, however they were concerned about the long term effect of the operation, one patient had periprosthetic infection and required revision. The outcome of the management of osteonecrosis is poor and the incidence in the city of Kirkuk is rather high. The department of health has to impose regulations and stop the practice of prescribing corticosteroid for pain relief