Objective To explore the program for calculating the necrotic articular surface area (NASA) and the ratio of NASA to whole articular surface area (WASA) of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), to verify the accuracy of this calculation and to predict the collapse of the femoral head clinically using this program. Methods From June 2001 to June 2003, The specimens of the necrotic femoral head from eight patients (13 hips) were obtained by total hip arthroplasty. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was taken in all patients before operation. According to a series of T1-weight pictures, the NASA and the ratio of NASA to WASA were calculated by designing program. The specimens of the necrotic femoral head were sawed into lays similar to MRI pictures using the coordinate paper stick on the auricular surface, the data processing were done by analytic instrument for pictures. The data of both were analyzed statistically by software SPSS 10.0 edition. The NASA and the ratio of NASA to WASA were calculated on MRI in ARCO Stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ 16 patients (25 hips) with non-operation. Follow-up was done to the patients with collapse of the femoral head and to the patients with no collapse for at least 24 months. The data were compared in collapse group and non-collapse group. Results There were no significant differences between MRI pictures calculation and specimens measurement (NASA: 0.412, ratio of NASA to WASA: 0.812, Pgt;0.05). Of the 25 hips followed up, collapse occurred in 17 hips. NASA was 31.06±8.10 cm2, (95% CI: 26.58 to 35.55)，the ratio of NASA to WASA was 58.91%±15.11%, (95% CI: 51.14to 66.68). No collapse appeared in 8 hips. NASA was 14.16±9.32 cm2(95% CI: 6.04 to 21.95), the ratio of NASA to WASA was 29.48%±19.76%(95% CI: 12.97to 45.99). The ratio in the patients with collapse was beyond 33%. Conclusion The NASA and the ratio of NASA to WASA in patients withONFH can be accurately calculated with the MRI pictures. The possibility of collapse can be predicted by this method. As it is complicated in operation, improvement should be made in order to put itinto clinical use.
Objective To study the effect of surgical treatment with core depression and allo-fibular grafting on osteonecrosis of the femoral head in early stages. Methods From June 1998 to August 2004, 22patients with necrosis of the femoral head (39 hips) were treated with core depression and allo-fibular grafting, indluding 17 males and 5 females. Necrosis was classified as Stages Ⅰ-Ⅲ according to ARCO classification system. Their ages ranged from 22 to 60 years and pain duration was 2 to 12 months preoperatively (6.5 months on average). The regular examinations of joint function, X-ray, ECT,CT and MRI were conducted before surgerg and after 15 days, 3 months, and 6 months of surgery. Results All patients were followed up for 3 to 74 months (31.4 months on average). Symptoms 17 of the patients were relievedevidently. Harris hip score from 78 points preoperatively to 91.6 points.The X-ray films 18 of the patients showed that the geography of the hip joint kept intact with no deterioration. Osteogenesis was observed by regular examinations. Two cases (4 hips, 10.25%) were revised by total hip replacement, and 3 cases (4hips, 10.25%) without THR worsened postoperatively. Conclusion The method is less traumatic than common procedures. The joint function can berecovered within 2.4 weeks. Clinical symptoms are greatly improved. This method is effective at least in short term and the long-term effect needs further study.
Objective To explore the differences between transient osteoporosis of the hi p (TOH) and bone marrow edema (BME) associated with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in terms of cl inical practice and imaging. Methods From January 2006 to February 2008, 5 hips of TOH in 5 cases (1 male and 4 females, aged 29-42 years) and 67 hips of BME associated with ONFH in 63 cases (53 males and 10 females, aged 18-70 years) were analyzed. According to ARCO classification, there were 23 hi ps of stage II, 43 hi ps of stage III, and 1 hi p of stage IV. The induced factors, the degree of pain, the duration of pain and commemorative symptoms were compared. The X-ray, MRI and ECT were also compared. Results There were no differences in induced factors, the degree of pain, joint effusion and ECT between TOH and BME associated with ONFH. TOH had no risk factors, antecedent symptoms and commemorative pain. There were 2 hips with TOH which showed osteopenia on X-ray films. The location of edema was in the superior part or the whole femoral head.A total of 65 hips with BME associated with ONFH had related causes of disease, 10 had antecedent pain and 59 had change of hardening on X-ray films. The X-ray films showed sclerotic area and the edema changes on MRI surrounded the necrotic lesion. The pain just amel iorated when BME disappeared. Conclusion There are differences between TOH and BME associated with ONFH on symptoms, X-ray films and MRI.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of multiple small-diameter drilling decompression combined with hip arthroscopy for early oeteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods Between March 2010 and December 2013, 91 patients with early ONFH were treated with the operation of multiple small-diameter drilling decompression combined with hip arthroscopy in 39 cases (53 hips, group A) or with drilling decompression alone in 52 cases (74 hips, group B). The patients in 2 groups had obvious hip pain and limited motion before operation. There was no significant difference in gender, age, etiology, effected side, stage of osteonecrosis, and preoperative Harris score between 2 groups (P>0.05). Results All operations succeeded and all incisions healed by first intention. The operation time was significantly longer in group A [(73.3±10.6) minutes] than in group B [(41.5±7.2) minutes] (t=8.726, P=0.000). Temporary of sciatic nerve apraxia after operation occurred in 2 patients of group A, and no complication occurred in other patients. Patients were followed up 24-52 months (mean, 39.3 months) in group A and 24-48 months (mean, 34.6 months) in group B. At last follow-up, the Harris scores were 83.34±8.76 in group A and 76.61±9.22 in group B, showing significant differences when compared between 2 groups (t=–4.247, P=0.029) and when compared with preoperative values in 2 groups (t=–10.327, P=0.001; t=–8.216, P=0.008). X-ray films showed that the collapse of the femoral head was observed in 6 hips (1 hip at stage Ⅰand 5 hips at stage Ⅱ) in group A, and in 16 hips (4 hips at stageⅠand 12 hips at stage Ⅱ) in group B; and hip arthroplasty was performed. The total effective rates were 88.68% (47/53) in group A and 78.38% (58/74) in group B, respectively; showing significant difference between 2 groups (χ2=5.241, P=0.041). Conclusion Multiple small-diameter drilling decompression combined with hip arthroscopy is effective in pain relief, improvement of hip function, slowing-down the process of femoral head necrosis, delaying the need for total hip arthroplasty in patients with early ONFH.
Objective To explore the effect of minimally invasive and mini-incision surgery (MIS) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) on late osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH). Methods From March 2003, Eighteen patients (22 hips) with ONFH underwent MIS in THA. Their ages ranged from 24to 57 years, including 13 males and 5 females. The mean body mass index ranged from 17.1 to 30.1(24.6 on average). The Harris hip score was 46 points before operation. Modified posterior-lateral approach was adopted, and the MIS THA was performed by cementless prosthesis. As a comparison, 18 patients (22 hips) were performed by conventional THA at the same period. The data, including bleeding volume during operation, incision length, operative time, and postoperative function recovery, were compared. Results Follow-ups were done for 6 to 20 months (11 months on average). Dislocation occurred in one patient that underwent conventional THA 2 days after operation. No complication occurred in MIS THA group. The incision lengths ranged from 8.7 to 10.5 cm (9.3 cm on average) in MIS THA group, being statistically different (Plt;0.01). There was no significant difference in Harris scoring of the function between the two groups both before the operation and after the operation (Pgt;0.05). The operative time was almost the same, but the bleeding volume in MIS THA group was less (Plt;0.05). The function recovery was faster in MIS THA group.Conclusion The MIS THA is an alternative to the treatment of late ONFH. The advantages of MIS THA are fewer trauma, less bleeding volume, and faster recovery. The MIS THA should be performed by surgeons with rich experiences in THA and hospitals with necessary instruments.
Objective To study the effect of core decompression combining with autologous cortical sustaining bone and cancellous bone graft in treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods From February 2004 to May 2008, 64 patients (77 hi ps) with ONFH were treated with core decompression combining with autologous cortical sustaining bone and cancellous bone graft, including 45 males and 19 females and aging 23 to 60 years with an average age of 43 years. There were 51 cases of unilateral ONFH and 13 cases of bilateral ONFH. ONFH was caused by alcohol in 39 cases(47 hi ps), by steroid in 21 cases (26 hi ps), and by trauma in 4 cases (4 hi ps). The disease course was 1-12 years. The pain time was 2-14 months (average 7 months). All the cases underwent imageology and postoperation pathology examination to confirm the diagnosis of ONFH. According to Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) international classification of osteonecrosis, 17 cases (23 hips) were classified as stage I A, 2 cases (3 hips) as stage I B, 21 cases (24 hips) as stage II A, 2 cases (2 hips) as stage II B, 4 cases (4 hips) as stage II C, and 18 cases (21 hips) as stage III A. The outcome was evaluated both cl inically by Harris score and radiologically by imageology. Results A total of 59 cases (69 hips) were followed up for 12-62 months with an average of 32.1 months. The Harris score was 87.12 ± 8.68 at 12 months after operation, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05) when compared with the preoperative one (68.38 ± 14.49). The results were excellent in 39 hips, good in 18 hips, fair in 6 hips, and poor in 6 hip; and the excellent and good rate was 82.6%. Radiographic evaluation was 21 hips (30.4%) of grade I, 42 hips (60.9%) of grade II, and 6 hips (8.7%) of grade III. One case had the compl ication of il ium bone donor site, 21 cases had l ittle pain or numbness, and the other cases had no uncomfortable compl ication. Conclusion The method of core decompression combining with autologous cortical sustaining bone and cancellous bone graft can improve the means of bone grafts, prevent the collapse of the femoral head, and is less traumatic than common procedures. Cl inical effects are obvious and effective.
Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of a new biodegradable magnesium internal fixation screw for vascularized iliac bone flap grafting in treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods Patients with ONFH admitted between July 2020 and February 2021 were selected as the research objects, and 20 patients (20 hips) met the selection criteria and were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups (n=10) by central random method. The iliac bone flap was fixed with a new biodegradable magnesium internal fixation screw in the trial group, and the iliac bone flap was wedged directly in the control group. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in gender, age, and side, type, Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage, and disease duration of ONFH between the two groups. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss of the two groups were recorded. Laboratory tests were performed at each time point before and after operation, including white blood cell (WBC), electrolytes (K, Ca, P, Mg), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), lymphocyte ratio (CD4/CD8), immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST). After operation, Harris score was used to evaluate the hip joint function. CT of the hip joint and X-ray films in anteroposterior and frog positions of the pelvis were used to review the iliac bone flap position, fusion, and screw biodegradation in the trial group. Results The vital signs of the two groups were stable, the incisions healed by first intention, and no adverse events occurred after operation. One patient in the control group refused to return to the hospital for follow-up at 3 months after operation, and 1 patient in the trial group refused to return to the hospital for follow-up at 1 year after operation. The rest of the patients completed the follow-up at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after operation. Laboratory tests showed that there was no significant difference in WBC, electrolytes (K, Ca, P, Mg), BUN, Scr, eGFR, CD4/CD8, IgG, IgM, ALT, and AST between the two groups at each time point before and after operation (P>0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss of the trial group were significantly less than those of the control group (P<0.05). The Harris scores of the two groups at 1 year significantly increased when compared with the values before operation and at 6 months after operation (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Harris score between the two groups at each time point (P>0.05). Postoperative CT of hip joint and X-ray films of pelvis showed that the iliac bone flap reached osseous fusion with the fenestration of the head and neck junction of femoral head in the two groups at 1 year after operation, and no loosening or shedding of iliac bone flap was observed during follow-up. In the trial group, there were signs of dissolution and absorption of the new biodegradable magnesium internal fixation screws after operation, and the diameter of the screws gradually decreased (P<0.05); no screw breakage or detachment occurred during follow-up. Conclusion In the treatment of ONFH with vascularized iliac bone flap grafting, the new biodegradable magnesium internal fixation screws can fix the iliac bone flap firmly. Compared with the traditional iliac bone flap wedging directly, it has a shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, and can obtain similar joint function.
Objective To investigate the expression levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of NF-κB l igand (RANKL) mRNAs in bone tissues of the femoral head of the patients suffering glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosisof the femoral head (ONFH), and to discuss the relationship between OPG/RANKL and ONFH. Methods Between March2007 and March 2008, bone tissues of the femoral head were collected as the experimental material from 35 patients suffering ONFH (experimental group) and from 21 patients suffering fracture of femoral neck (control group). The ratio of men to women in both groups was 4 ∶ 3, whose age was 41-70 years old (55.34 on average in the experimental group and 55.33 on average in the control group). The experimental group received over 3 weeks’ glucocorticoid treatment or more than 1 week’ s high-dose glucocorticoid treatment in recent 2 years, while the control group never received more than 1 week’s hormone treatment. In the two groups, the microstructure of bone tissues of the femoral head was detected by HE staining and the bone tissue total RNA was extracted, and then the expression levels of OPG mRNA and RANKL mRNA were examined by realtime quantitative PCR (RTQ-PCR) for each sample. Results HE staining: bone trabeculae and bone units were replaced by interrupted bone fragments, which were surrounded by many inflammatory granulation tissues and few osteocytes were seen in bone lacunae in the experimental group. In the control group, bone trabeculae and bone units were made by complete lamellar bones which surrounded blood vessels and osteocytes were seen in lacunae. RTQ-PCR testing: in the experimental group, OPG mRNA and RANKL mRNA were 1.35 ± 0.42 and 4.36 ± 1.35, respectively, while in the control group they were 1.78 ± 0.63 and 3.49 ± 1.02, respectively. The expression level of OPG mRNA in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the expression level of RANKL mRNA of the former was significantly higher than the latter. The OPG mRNA/ RANKL mRNA ratio in the xperiment group (0.34 ± 0.16) was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.54 ± 0.20), and there was significant difference (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The glucocorticoid-induced ONFH may be related to the expression levels of OPG mRNA/RANKL mRNA in bone tissues.
Objective To analyze the similarities and differences of bone microstructure and apoptosis phenotype of lateral column, middle column, and medial column in type L2 and L3 osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) specimens classified by China-Japan Friendship Hospital (CJFH) classification, so as to carry out a quantitative study of ONFH “three-columns structure theory” and to provide research support for the treatment of ONFH by rotational osteotomy through the base of femoral neck. MethodsDiscarded femoral head specimens from 16 patients (16 hips) with CJFH type L2 and L3 ONFH undergone total hip arthroplasty between April 2020 and February 2021 were selected as the research objects. First, the “three-column structure” of the femoral head was three-dimensionally segmented by Micro-CT, and the bone volume to total volume (BV/TV), bone surface area to bone volume ratio (BS/BV), trabecular spacing/separation (Tb.Sp), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and trabecular number (Tb.N) in the lateral column, middle column, and medial column were analyzed to compare the similarities and differences of parameters related to bone mass and trabecular structure among the three columns. Then, the specimens were cut with a oscillating saw and made into paraffin sections for HE staining and immunohistochemical staining of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax). The differences of apoptosis phenotype between the three columns of ONFH samples of CJFH type L2 and L3 were evaluated by comparing the rate of empty lacunae and the rate of positive cells of immunohistochemical staining. ResultsThere were significant differences in BV/TV, Tb.Th, and Tb.N among the three columns of CJFH type L2 ONFH femoral head (P<0.05), with the largest in the medial column and the smallest in the lateral column; BS/BV and Tb.Sp of the lateral column were significantly greater than those of the medial column and middle column (P<0.05), no significant difference was found between the middle column and medial column (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the bone parameters between the three columns of the CJFH type L3 ONFH femoral head (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of empty lacunae between the three columns of the CJFH type L2 and L3 ONFH femoral head (P>0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that a large number of tissue sections were detached, and only a small amount of non-specific staining was found in the sections without detachment, so the positive cell rate could not be calculated. Conclusion The middle and medial columns of the CJFH type L2 ONFH has better trabecular structures than the lateral column, and there is no significant difference in trabecular structures among the three columns of the CJFH type L3 ONFH.
【Abstract】 Objective To explore the midterm efficacy of superelastic cage implantation for the treatment of osteonecrosisof femoral head (ONFH). Methods From July 1996 to January 1998, 54 patients (75 hips) of ONFH were treatedwith superelastic cage and followed up. Among 54 patients, 5 patients were lost to follow up and 3 patients were dead of myocardialinfarction, renal failure and gastric cancer, respectively. Forty-six patients completed follow up including 32 males and14 females, aged from 21 to 61 with an average of 39 years old. Twenty-nine hips were classified as Ficat Stage Ⅱ and 36 as StageⅢ . Harris score was 58.20 ± 13.82. All patients were evaluated both cl inically and radiographically. Results Postoperatively,forty-six patients (65 hips) were followed up for 86 to 125 months with an average of 8 years and 8 months. Harris score was 80.78 ± 18.77. Twenty-nine hips were rated excellent, 21 good, 2 fair and 13 poor．A total of 76.9% of overall cl inical results were rated as good or excellent. Eight hips (12.3%) with the cage broken were turned to total hip replacement. Radiographicevaluation: 16 hips (24.6%) rated as grade Ⅰ , 34 (52.3%) grade Ⅱ and 15 (23.1%) grade Ⅲ . Conclusion Superelastic cage implantation is one of alternative treatments for ONFH at early and midterm stages. However, long-term follow-up is needed to know whether it is able to cure ONFH and whether cages will be broken as time passes by.