FREE VASCULARIZED FIBULAR GRAFTING FOR THE TREATMENT OF POSTCOLLAPSE OSTEONECROSIS OF THE FEMORAL HEAD

Abstract

Patients with postcollapse, predegenerative osteonecrosis of the femoral head appear to benefit from free vascularized fibular grafting, with good overall survival of the joint and significant improvement in the Harris hip score. The results of this femoral head-preserving procedure in patients with postcollapse osteonecrosis are superior to those of core decompression and nonoperative treatment, as reported in the literature. Patients with larger lesions and certain diagnoses, such as idiopathic and alcohol-related osteonecrosis, have worse outcomes.