method of treatment of sectorial avascular necrosis by drilling and cancellous grafting

ABSTRACT

Ten patients with 15 osteonecrotic femoral head at stage 2 or 3 development were treated surgically. The average age was 28.6 years. Necrosis followed cortisone administration in eight patients and was idiopathic in two. The technique used was a combination of drilling aiming at decompression and Strut cancellous grafting of the weak necrotic segment of the head, supporting the articular cartilage. Partial weight bearing was allowed two months postoperatively. The follow up period ranged between 1-5 years. Hip pain was improved in six patients. Radiologically, progress or no improvement in the lesion was reported in 11 hips, especially in stage 3