What is the role of core decompression in the early stages of osteonecrosis of the femoral head? Evaluation of the surgical result by functional score and radiological follow-up

Objectives

This study is aimed at evaluating whether core decompression of the femoral head in the early stages of femoral head osteonecrosis improves patients’ subjective perception of pain and avoids the progression of the disease to a femoral head collapse and a final indication of total hip arthroplasty.

Methods

Eighteen patients (30 hips) in the early stages of the disease (Ficat and Arlet 1 and 2A) were evaluated through clinical, radiological, risk factor maintenance, and by the functional Merle D’Aubigné, and Postel score before and after core decompression of the femoral head.

Results

There was an improvement of symptoms up to the sixth month in 83.3% of the hips evaluated through the Merle D’Aubigné and Postel score. However, 73.3% of the cases evolved with femoral head collapse, and in 50%, total hip arthroplasty was indicated regardless of whether or not the risk factors were maintained.

Conclusions

Core decompression of the femoral head improves patients’ pain early in the initial stages of the pathology. However, it does not alter the prognosis and the ultimate indication of total hip arthroplasty in the final stages of the disease.