Core Decompression with Bone Marrow Injection for the Treatment of Femoral Head Osteonecrosis
Areesak Chotivichit MD*, Ekkapoj Korwutthikulrangsri MD*, Chaturong Pornrattanamaneewong MD*, Chaiwat Achawakulthep MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Core decompression has been recommended in treatment of non-traumatic femoral head necrosis in early
stage. Injection with patient’s own bone marrow from the iliac crest might promote bone formation in the femoral head.
Objective : To evaluate the result of patients treated by this technique.
Material and Method: Retrospective review of a series cases by the medical records and radiographic pictures.
Results : There were 34 procedures from 32 patients. Mean follow-up time was 24.6 months in stage 2 and 27.8 months in
stage 3. Radiographic progression was observed in 76% and 69% of stage 2 and 3. Twenty one percent of stage 2 hips
underwent other surgeries when 46% of stage 3 did at last follow-up. Pain relief was observed in all cases after the surgery.
Conclusion : The proposed technique yielded only fair results. Probably due to most patients had steroid related pathology.
Keywords : Core decompression, Avascular necrosis of the femoral head, Bone marrow injection
