Outcomes and indications of the single approach to double-channel core decompression and bone grafting with structural bone support for osteonecrosis of the femoral head

BackgroundTo report the outcomes of the single approach to double-channel core decompression and bone grafting with structural bone support (SDBS) for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) and define the indications.MethodsOne-hundred-and-thirty-nine hips in 96 patients (79 males, 17 females; mean age 37.53±10.31 years, range 14–58 years; mean body mass index 25.15±3.63 kg/m2) were retrospectively analysed. The Harris hip score (HHS) was used to assess hip function, and radiographs were used to assess the depth of femoral head collapse. Treatment failure was defined as the performance of total hip arthroplasty (THA). The variables assessed as potential risk factors for surgical failure were: aetiology, Japanese Osteonecrosis Investigation Committee (JIC) type, age, and Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage. Complications were recorded.ResultsThe HHS increased from 79.00±13.61 preoperatively to 82.01±17.29 at final follow-up (P=0.041). The average HHS improvement was 3.00±21.86. The combined excellent and good rate at final follow-up (65.6%) was significantly higher than that before surgery (34.5%) (P=0.000). On radiographic evaluation, 103 (74.1%) hips remained stable, while 36 (25.9%) had femoral head collapse or aggravation of ONFH. THA was performed in 18 hips. Thus, the overall femoral head survival rate was 87.05% (121/139). The success rate was adversely affected by JIC type, but not by aetiology, age, or ARCO stage. The only complication was a subtrochanteric fracture in one patient.ConclusionThe SDBS effectively delays or even terminates the progression of ONFH, especially type B and C1. The SDBS is a good option for early-stage ONFH.

The Therapeutic Effect of Huo Xue Tong Luo Capsules in Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) Stage II Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Clinical Study With an Average Follow-up Period of 7.95 Years

Background: Huo Xue Tong Luo (HXTL) capsules are an oral preparation that could relieve pain and ameliorate osteonecrosis in patients with asymptomatic osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH). We wanted to verify whether it could be a treatment option for ARCO stage II ONFH.Methods: A total of 44 patients (66 hips) with ARCO stage II ONFH were recruited from June 1996 to October 2013 (clinical trial registry number: ChiCTR-RPC-15006,290). HXTL capsules were given under a specific protocol, and the endpoint was set as femoral head collapse. The clinical indicators [including visual analog scale (VAS) and Harris Hip Score (HHS)] and radiological indicators [including Tonnis classification, ARCO stage, Japanese Investigation Committee (JIC) classification, lateral preserved angle (LPA), anterior preserved angle (APA), and combined preserved angle (CPA)] before and after treatment were compared. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to identify the risk factors associated with femoral head collapse.Result: Twenty-six males and 18 females with an average age of 38.3 ± 2.8 were followed for an average of 7.95 years. Forty-six of the 66 (69.7%) hips had no progression in pain or collapse, and patients exhibited a higher HHS (p < 0.05) after therapy. Twenty of the 66 (30.3%) hips progressed in Tonnis classification and ARCO stage, but only one of the 66 (1.5%) hips required total hip arthroplasty (THA). The Kaplan–Meier survivorship curve suggested that the survival rates were 96.97% at 5 years, 69.15% at 10 years, and 40.33% at 15 years. Patients with type A necrotic lesions on anteroposterior (AP) and frog-leg lateral (FLL) radiographs revealed 100% survival rates. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that patients with an LPA ≤ 60.9 exhibited a 3.87 times higher risk of collapse of the femoral head [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.241–5.673] than did those patients with an LPA>60.9.Conclusion: HXTL capsules could be a treatment option for ARCO stage II ONFH, resulting in improved hip function and delayed progression to femoral head collapse, especially when the anterior and lateral portions of the femoral head were not affected. However, an LPA of less than 60.9° may be a risk factor for collapse of the femoral head.Clinical Trial Registration: [http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?projZ10829]

Femoral head collapse after hip intra-articular corticosteroid injection: An institutional response to improve practice and increase patient safety

Introduction Femoral head collapse (FHC) is a rarely reported complication of hip intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IACSI). Upon observing a high rate of FHC after hip IACSI, we sought to (1) describe how we addressed the problem through a systematic evaluation of clinical data and institutional care practices followed by process improvement efforts; and (2) report our results. Methods Patients receiving hip IACSI during a 27-month period underwent retrospective review to determine the rate of FHC and to identify associated patient factors or practice shortfalls. Findings led to institution-wide interventions: (1) to improve patient/provider awareness of this association; and (2) to develop/implement practice guidelines. Rates of FHC after hip IACSI and practice patterns among providers before and after intervention were compared. Results Initial FHC rate after hip IACSI was 20.4%. Patient-related factors included body mass index (p = 0.025), history of cancer therapy (p = 0.012), Vitamin D level (p = 0.030), and multiple injections (p = 0.004). Volume/dose of injectate and post-injection surveillance methods varied widely. Quality improvement (QI) intervention resulted in fewer treatment referrals (from 851 to 436), fewer repeat injections (mean = 1.61 to 1.37; p = 0.0006), and a 5% lower FHC rate (p = 0.1292). Variation in practice patterns persisted, so a systems-based Clinical Pathway was established. Discussion When a high rate of FHC after hip IACSI was found to be associated with certain patient and practice factors, introduction of education materials and treatment guidelines decreased number of referrals, number of injections per patient, and FHC rate. In the absence of the systems-based Pathway, the type, dose, and volume of injectate and post-procedure follow-up remained variable.

Hip decompression combined with bone marrow concentrate and platelet-rich plasma for corticosteroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Aims Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells obtained from bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), has been used as an adjuvant to hip decompression. Early results have shown promise for hip preservation in patients with osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head. The purpose of the current study is to examine the mid-term outcome of this treatment in patients with precollapse corticosteroid-induced ON of the femoral head. Methods In all, 22 patients (35 hips; 11 males and 11 females) with precollapse corticosteroid-induced ON of the femoral head underwent hip decompression combined with BMAC and PRP. Mean age and BMI were 43 years (SD 12) and 31 kg/m² (SD 6), respectively, at the time of surgery. Survivorship free from femoral head collapse and total hip arthroplasty (THA) and risk factors for progression were evaluated at minimum five-years of clinical follow-up with a mean follow-up of seven years (5 to 8). Results Survivorship free from femoral head collapse and THA for any reason was 84% and 67% at seven years postoperatively, respectively. Risk factors for conversion to THA included a high preoperative modified Kerboul angle (grade 3 or 4) based on preoperative MRI (hazard ratio (HR) 3.96; p = 0.047) and corticosteroid use at the time of decompression (HR 4.15; p = 0.039). The seven-year survivorship for patients with grade 1 or 2 Kerboul angles for conversion to THA for articular collapse, and THA for any reason, were 96% and 72%, respectively, versus THA for articular collapse and THA for any reason in patients with grade 3 or 4 Kerboul angles of 40% (p = 0.003) and 40% (p = 0.032). Conclusion At seven years, hip decompression augmented with BMAC and PRP provided a 67% survivorship free from THA in patients with corticosteroid-induced ON. Ideal candidates for this procedure are patients with low preoperative Kerboul angles and can stop corticosteroid treatment prior to decompression. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(11):926–931.

Efficacy of tantalum rod insertion for preventing femoral head collapse in osteonecrosis in a paediatric population: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Femoral head osteonecrosis in the paediatric population is difficult to treat, with the primary goals of management being prevention of subchondral collapse and the avoidance of early total hip replacement. This study aims to describe the use of a porous tantalum rod implant to provide mechanical support in preventing femoral head collapse in a paediatric population. A retrospective chart-based analysis of patients with osteonecrosis of the hip was performed at our institution to identify those who had undergone tantalum rod insertion. A total of 10 patients (fives males and five females, median age 12.5 years, 9–18) had tantalum rods implanted between December 2013 and February 2018. One patient was excluded due to follow-up at a different institution. The radiographic degree of osteonecrosis was characterized according to the Ficat classification and the Kerboul angle. Radiographic assessment of pre- and post-operative plain films was performed. The outcome measures were Tonnis grade and percentage collapse of the femoral head. Nine patients with a mean follow-up time of 18.4 months were included in the analysis. There was no significant increase in the femoral head collapse percentage post tantalum rod insertion compared to pre-operatively (P = 0.63). There was a significant increase in the Tonnis grade post-operatively (P < 0.05), with sub-group analysis showing minimal increase in Ficat Stage 1 patients. This study is the first to examine the role of tantalum rod insertion in preventing femoral head collapse in a paediatric population, with results suggesting potential benefit in a subset of patients.

Effect of Femoral Head Necrosis Cystic Area on Femoral Head Collapse and Stress Distribution in Femoral Head

Objective:Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common and difficult disease. The effect of cystic area on femoral head mechanics in patients with ONFH is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cystic areas of osteonecrosis of the femoral head on stress distribution and disease progression in the femoral head.Methods:A total of 85 patients (106 hips) diagnosed with ARCO stage II non-traumatic and non-surgical treatment of ONFH from February 2017 to November 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were followed up for an average of more than 2 years. According to whether the femoral head collapsed during the follow-up, they were divided into collapse group and non-collapse group. The age, gender, etiology, height, weight, BMI, JIC classification, presence of cystic areas and diameter of cystic areas were compared between the two groups. In addition, five spherical cystic areas of different diameters of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm were constructed to simulate the hip joint load of a person during standing by finite element methods, and the maximum stress, mean stress, and maximum stress values in the necrotic area of the femoral head without cystic areas and in the area 1 mm around the cystic areas with different diameters were observed and analyzed.Results:All 85 patients (106 hips) completed the follow-up, with an average age of 37.4 ± 8.12 years. The mean follow-up time was 2.8 ± 0.6 years. Forty-five patients (57 hips) with ONFH who had femoral head collapse were included in the collapse group, and the remaining 40 patients (49 hips) were included in the non-collapse group. There was significant difference in JIC classification between the two groups (P < 0.05), most of which were C2 type in the collapse group and B type in the non-collapse group. There was a difference between the two groups in whether cystic areas appeared in the femoral head, with 49.1% in the collapse group showing cystic areas, which was significantly higher than that in the non-collapse group (18.4%) (P < 0.05). In addition, the diameter of the cystic areas was significantly larger in the collapsed group than in the non-collapsed group (P < 0.05). The maximum von Mises stress value and mean von Mises stress value around the cortical bone, necrotic area and around the cystic area of the femoral head increased with the increase of the cystic diameter. Furthermore, linear regression analysis showed a linear positive correlation between the maximum stress, mean stress in the necrotic area in the femoral head, and the maximum stress value in the 1 mm area around the cystic area and the diameter of the cystic area.Conclusion:The maximum stress and average stress of necrotic area can be increased in cystic area, and the increase of stress in cystic area is more obvious. Stress concentration areas can be generated around the cystic areas. The presence and increased diameter of the cystic areas accelerates the collapse of the ONFH femoral head.

Effect of Femoral Head Necrosis Cystic Area on Femoral Head Collapse and Stress Distribution in Femoral Head

Objective: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common and difficult disease. The effect of cystic area on femoral head mechanics in patients with ONFH is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cystic areas of osteonecrosis of the femoral head on stress distribution and disease progression in the femoral head.Methods: A total of 85 patients (106 hips) diagnosed with ARCO stage II non-traumatic and non-surgical treatment of ONFH from February 2017 to November 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were followed up for an average of more than 2 years. According to whether the femoral head collapsed during the follow-up, they were divided into collapse group and non-collapse group. The age, gender, etiology, height, weight, BMI, JIC classification, presence of cystic areas and diameter of cystic areas were compared between the two groups. In addition, five spherical cystic areas of different diameters of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm were constructed to simulate the hip joint load of a person during standing by finite element methods, and the maximum stress, mean stress, and maximum stress values in the necrotic area of the femoral head without cystic areas and in the area 1 mm around the cystic areas with different diameters were observed and analyzed.Results: All 85 patients (106 hips) completed the follow-up, with an average age of 37.4 ± 8.12 years. The mean follow-up time was 2.8 ± 0.6 years. Forty-five patients (57 hips) with ONFH who had femoral head collapse were included in the collapse group, and the remaining 40 patients (49 hips) were included in the non-collapse group. There was significant difference in JIC classification between the two groups (P < 0.05), most of which were C2 type in the collapse group and B type in the non-collapse group. There was a difference between the two groups in whether cystic areas appeared in the femoral head, with 49.1% in the collapse group showing cystic areas, which was significantly higher than that in the non-collapse group (18.4%) (P < 0.05). In addition, the diameter of the cystic areas was significantly larger in the collapsed group than in the non-collapsed group (P < 0.05). The maximum von Mises stress value and mean von Mises stress value around the cortical bone, necrotic area and around the cystic area of the femoral head increased with the increase of the cystic diameter. Furthermore, linear regression analysis showed a linear positive correlation between the maximum stress, mean stress in the necrotic area in the femoral head, and the maximum stress value in the 1 mm area around the cystic area and the diameter of the cystic area.Conclusion: The maximum stress and average stress of necrotic area can be increased in cystic area, and the increase of stress in cystic area is more obvious. Stress concentration areas can be generated around the cystic areas. The presence and increased diameter of the cystic areas accelerates the collapse of the ONFH femoral head.

Hip Corticosteroid/Anesthetic Injections—Are the reported rates of osteoarthritis progression and femoral head collapse real?

Objectives: In the absence of definitive Level I evidence regarding the safety of hip CSI, there have been an increasing number of retrospective case series studying outcomes after hip corticosteroid injection (CSI). Recent studies have suggested that hip CSI may be associated with increased rates of avascular necrosis (AVN), subchondral insufficiency fracture (SIF), femoral head articular surface collapse, and accelerated progression of osteoarthritis (OA), but these studies do not compare against a control arm matched for baseline OA severity or exclude patients with pre-injection AVN or SIF from analysis, causing selection bias. The purpose of this study was to compare complication rates in patients treated with and without CSI, while minimizing the aforementioned selection bias. Methods: For all patients at our institution who had undergone hip CSI between 2007 and 2019 and hip magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within the preceding 12 months (CSI cohort), two musculoskeletal radiologists retrospectively reviewed hip radiographs taken within 12 months prior to and after CSI and graded OA severity (modified Kellgren-Lawrence classification) and femoral head collapse, blinded to cohort and timepoint. The same was done for a hip control cohort (matched for age, sex, BMI, and OA severity on baseline radiograph reports) that had undergone hip MRI and pre- and post-MRI hip radiographs within 12 months. A third reader arbitrated discrepant reads. OA progression was defined as an increase in modified Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥1 between radiographs. Matched pairs with at least one incidence of pre-existing AVN or SIF on index MRI were excluded for analysis. Results: 186 hips in the CSI group [mean ±95% CI age: 55.8±2.1, mean±95% CI BMI: 27.5±0.8, 69 (37.1%) males, 100 (53.8%) right hips] and 186 hips in the control group [mean ±95% CI age: 55.7±2.3, mean±95% CI BMI: 28.0±0.8, 69 (37.1%) males, 96 (51.6%) right hips] were included in this study. There were no significant differences between groups in age, gender, BMI, laterality, baseline OA severity, or baseline AVN/SIF on index MRI. Analysis of adjudicated radiographic outcomes were performed after exclusion of 61 matched pairs with at least 1 instance of pre-existing AVN or SI (Table 1). Rates of OA progression (5.6% vs. 2.4%; p=0.33), new AVN or SIF (1.6% vs. 0.0%; p=0.50), and new femoral head collapse (3.2% vs. 2.4%; p=1.000) were all similar between groups. Of the 4 cases of new femoral head collapse in the CSI group, 2 were classified as femoral head remodeling secondary to OA, leaving only two (1.6%) definitive femoral head collapses secondary to AVN or SIF. Of the 3 cases of new femoral head collapse in the control group, 2 were classified as femoral head remodeling due to an unknown etiology, leaving only one (0.8%) definitive femoral head collapses secondary to AVN or SIF. (Tables 1, 2, 3) Conclusions: When controlling for baseline OA severity and pre-existing AVN or SIF, patients treated by CSI in our study showed OA progression in only 6% of cases and new femoral head collapse in only 3% of cases, which was not significantly greater than control and similar to the expected progression of natural disease. Future multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials investigating safety of hip CSI are needed. [Table: see text][Table: see text][Table: see text]

Femoral head collapse rate among Japanese patients with pre-collapse osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Objective In this study, we aimed to elucidate the relationship between the duration from diagnosis to femoral head collapse and the collapse rate among patients with pre-collapse osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods In this retrospective, observational, multicenter study, we analyzed 268 patients diagnosed with ONFH and classified them using the Japanese Investigation Committee classification. The primary endpoint was duration from the time of diagnosis to femoral head collapse for each type of ONFH. Results The 12-, 24-, and 36-month collapse rates among participants were 0%, 0%, and 0% for type A, respectively; 0%, 2.0%, and 10.8% for type B, respectively; 25.5%, 40.8%, and 48.5% for type C-1, respectively; and 57.4%, 70.3%, and 76.7% for type C-2 ONFH, respectively. A comparison of unilateral and bilateral ONFH, using Kaplan–Meier survival curves demonstrated similar collapse rates. Conclusions The lowest collapse rate was observed for ONFH type A, followed by types B, C-1, and C-2. Additionally, a direct association was observed between the collapse rate and location of the osteonecrotic lesion on the weight-bearing surface.

Pathological progress of traumatic femur head necrosis after femoral neck fracture in children and adolescents: a case series study

The pathological progression and prognosis of traumatic femur head necrosis (TFHN) after femoral neck fracture (FNF) in children and adolescent is relatively unknown and has never been specifically characterized. As we speculated, the prognosis in such population would be poor and characterized as the high risk of femoral head collapse, hip deformity and degeneration in a short term. This retrospective case series enrolled 64 children and adolescent with TFHN who treated with observational treatment from 2000.1 to 2018.1. The primary outcomes, the progression of femoral head collapse, hip deformity (Stulberg classification) and hip degeneration (Tönnis grade), and their prognostic factors were analysed. Sixty-four patients with a mean age of 13 years (6–16 years) were included. A total of 28 hips (44%) showed unsatisfactory outcome and 25 (39%) hips collapsed progressively during a mean follow-up of 48 months (24–203 months). Finally, 38 hips (59%) experienced hip deformity, 20 of them were Class IV/V. Thirty-four hips (53%) generally progressed to osteoarthritis, 14 of them were classified as Grades II/III. The location of the lesion and the presence of subluxation were found to be related to progression of collapse; however, the presence of subluxation was the only independent risk factor of severe hip deformity and degeneration. TFHN in children and adolescent is a rapidly progressing disease with a poor prognosis characterized by a high risk of femoral head collapse progression. If the subluxation emerged, collapsed cases showed increasingly tendency towards hip deformity and degeneration.