[Five-year results following autogenous osteochondral transplantation to the femoral head].

The rationale for autogenous osteochondral grafting into necrotic areas of the femoral head is to provide hyaline cartilage for areas of main articular contact pressure. The aim of this study was to present our results of autogenous osteochondral grafting to the femoral head in the treatment of avascular necrosis. The mean follow-up of the five patients was 57 months following autogenous osteochondral grafting to the femoral head using DBCS (diamond bone-cutting system). The number of transplanted cylinders varied between one and three, and the diameter of the cylindrical transplants between 9 and 13 mm. Results were unsatisfactory in four of five hips and these underwent total hip replacement a mean of 49 months following DBCS of the hip. In our hands, osteochondral grafting to the femoral head using DBCS had proven technically possible in restoring the articular surface of the femoral head; however, this operation was associated with unsatisfactory results in four of five cases.