[Treatment of ischemic necrosis of femoral head by focal cleaning and bone graft].

OBJECTIVE

To explore a simple and effective method for the treatment of ischemic necrosis of femoral head.

METHODS

The anterior region of hip joint was exposed by anterior hip route, a 1.5 cm x 1.0 cm hole was made at the upper region of the femoral neck just below the head. The necrotic bone and sclerotic bone were completely cleaned by drill and curettage until the fresh cancellous bone was exposed. After irrigation, the bone cavity was filled tightly by iliac bone graft until the collapsed femoral head recovered its normal shape. Traction and continuous passive motion(CPM) were performed at the early stage after operation.

RESULTS

Twenty cases with 29 femoral head ischemic necrosis (Marcus III to IV stage) were treated by above methods. After 1 to 3 years follow-up, the results were all satisfactory. The pain disappeared, and the functions of the hip joint were all excellent with almost normal walking and squatting.

CONCLUSION

The necrotic bone and the sclerotic bone can be removed by this method, thus optimal conditions for the reconstruction of blood supply is obtained. Abundant cancellous bone graft in the residual bone cavity can support the round shape of the femoral head. CPM is very important in the repair of hyaline cartilage and prevention of joint stiffness. It is a simple and effective method in treating femoral head ischemic necrosis.