Objective To evaluate the effect of the treatment of necrosis of femoral head with the free vascularized fibula grafting. Methods From October 2000 to February 2002, 31 hips in 26 patients with ischemic necrosis of the femoral head were treated with free vascularized fibula graft. Among these patients, 21 patients (25 hips) were followed up for 6-18 months(12 months on average). According to Steinberg stage:Ⅱ period, 5 hips;Ⅲ period,8 hips; Ⅳ period, 12 hips.Results Among 25hips, their Harris Hip Score at all satges were improved during the follow-up. The symptom of pain diminished or disappeared after operation. The patient’s ability to work and live was notlimited or only slightly limited during the follow-up. Radiographic evaluation showed that most femoral heads improved (18 hips) or unchanged (6 hips) and only oneworsened.Conclusion The free vascularized fibular grafting is a valuable method for femoral head necrosis. With this method, we can prevent or delay the process of the disease.
Objective To explore an improved method of treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head in young adults by grafting the sartorius muscle iliac bone flap. Methods From September 1994 to August 2003, 68 patients (57 males, 11 females; age, 16-58 years) underwent of the transplant the sartorius muscle oliac bone flap into the femoral head after decompression of the femoral head medullary core and removal of the dead bone and the fibrous tissue in the femoral head. The transplantation was performed on 31 patients left-unilaterally, on 37 patients rightunilaterally, and on 7 patients bilaterally. The pathological causeswere as follows: alcoholism in 52 patients, prolonged use of hormones in 6, traumain the hip in 6, and undetermined cause in 4. Their illness course ranged from 8 months to 4 years. According the Ficat staging, 10 patients belonged to Stage I (11 sides), 27 patients to Stage Ⅱ (31 sides), and31 patients to Stage Ⅲ (33 sides). Results The follow-up of the 68 patientsfor 2.5-11 years averaged 5.2 years revealed that based on the Harris evaluation for the hip function, 23 patients had an excellent result, 33 had a good result, 10 had a fair result, and 2 had a poor result. The excellent and good resultsaccounted for 82.3%. There was no recurrence after operation. Conclusion Thismethod has the following advantages: the lesion focus can be eradicated; enoughdecompression can be achieved, and the blood circulation for the femoral head can be rebuilt. The grafting of the sartorius muscle iliac bone flap can bring the osteogenesis components to the femoral head, promoting the reconstruction of the bones. This method is suitable and effective for the patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head (Ficat Grades Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ) in young adults.
Objective To study the expression changes of vascular endothel ial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) in femoral neck fracture, traumatic, and non-traumatic avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH), and to study the relationshi p between the expressions of VEGF, bFGF, BMP-2mRNA and bone mass so as to explore the pathogenesis of ANFH and provide the exprimental basis for individual treatment of ANFH. Methods Femoral head specimens were obtained from 59 donors undergoing total hip replacement, including 22 cases of traumatic ANFH (group A, 13 cases of Ficat stage III and 9 cases of Ficat stage IV), 19 cases of non-traumatic ANFH (group B, 11 cases of Ficat stage III and 8 cases of Ficat stage IV; 10 cases of steroid-induced ANFH, 7 cases of alcohol ic ANFH, and 2 cases of unexplained ANFH), and 18 cases of fresh femoral neck fracture (group C). There was no significant difference in the general data among 3 groups (P gt; 0.05). The bone mineral density (BMD) at weight-bearing area of the femoral head was measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The pathological changes were observed by using optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The percentage of empty bone lacuna and the percentage of trabecular bone area were calculated. The expressions of VEGF, bFGF, and BMP-2 mRNA in femoral head were detected by use of in-situ hybridization technique. Results The BMD in groups A and B were significantly lower than that in group C (P lt; 0.05), and there was significant difference between group A and group B (P lt; 0.05). In the necrosis area of groups A and B, the bone trabecula was rarefactive and not of integrity, with a great number of empty bone lacuna. In healthy area, more fiber hyperplasia was observed in group A, the prol iferated and hypertrophic fat cells in the medullary cavity in group B. Scanning electron microscope showed that many osteocytes underwent fatty degeneration and necrosis, and that the prol iferation of fat cells in bone matrix was observed in groups A and B. While in group C, the femoral head had intact articular cartilage and intact bone trabeculae, and osteocytes were clearly seen. The percentage of empty bone lacuna was significantly higher (P lt; 0.05) and the percentage of trabecular bone area was significantly lower (P lt; 0.05) in groups A and B than group C; and there was significant difference in the percentage of empty bone lacuna between groups A and B (P lt; 0.05). The expressions of VEGF, bFGF, and BMP-2 mRNAwere significantly lower in groups A and B than group C (P lt; 0.05), and the expressions of BMP-2 and bFGF mRNA in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (P lt; 0.05). There were positive l inear correlation between the expressions of VEGF mRNA, bFGF mRNA, BMP-2 mRNA and the BMD and percentage of trabecular bone area, respectively. While there were significantly negative correlation between the expressions of VEGF mRNA, bFGF mRNA, BMP-2 mRNA and percentage of empty bone lacuna. Conclusion The repair capacity of local femoral head in traumatic ANFH is ber than that in non-traumatic ANFH. The expressions of VEGF mRNA, bFGF mRNA, and BMP-2 mRNA decl ine in traumatic and nontraumatic ANFH.
Objective To explore the significance and the relationshi p between osteoporosis and the mRNA expressions of vascular endothel ial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) in nontraumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head (NONFH), so as to provide a theoretical basis for the pathogenesis and the cl inical treatment of NONFH. Methods Sixty-nine specimens of femoral head were collected from voluntary donators undergoing total hi p arthroplasty, including 37 cases of NONFH (NONFH group) and 32 cases of fresh femoral neck fracture (control group). In NONFH group, there were 26 males and 11 females with an average age of 57.3 years (range, 43-75 years), including 19 cases of steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH), 16 cases of alcohol ic ANFH, and 2 cases of idiopathicANFH; according to Ficat staging system, there were 23 cases at stage III and 14 cases at stage IV. In control group, there were 23 males and 9 females with an average age of 58.6 years (range, 46-79 years). The NO level of serum, the Q value of femur, and the bone mineral density (BMD) of weight-bearing area were measured firstly. The bone tissues were harvested from weightbearing necrosis area and healthy area. The pathological change was observed by HE staining, the percentage of empty bone lacuna and the percentage of trabecular bone area were calculated. The mRNA expressions of VEGF and BMP-2 in femoral head were detected through in situ hybridization technique. Results There were significant differences (P lt; 0.05) in the NO level of serum, the Q value of femur, and the BMD between NONFH group and control group. In NONFH group, the femoral head showed irregular shape, the articular cartilage exfol iated and collapsed. In weight-bearing necrosis area, the bone trabeculae were sparse and non-intact with a great number of empty lacuna; necrotic bone trabeculae were decomposed and absorbed; no obvious bone regeneration and repair were observed. In weight-bearing healthy area, the fat cells in bone marrow showed prol iferation and hypertrophy. In control group, the femoral head had normal appearance, intact articular cartilage, and intact bone trabeculae with a regular arrange, and osteocytes were clearly seen. There were significant differences in the percentage of empty bone lacuna and the percentage of trabecular bone area between NONFH group and control group (P lt; 0.05). The mRNA expressions of VEGF and BMP-2 were positive in 2 groups. The positive area ratio, the absorbance value, and integral absorbancevalue of VEGF mRNA and BMP-2 mRNA in NONFH group were significantly lower than those in control group (P lt; 0.05);the grey scales of VEGF mRNA and BMP-2 mRNA in NONFH group were significantly higher than that in control group (P lt;0.05). Conclusion The pathological stage of osteoporosis may play an important role in the mechanism of the NONFH. The decrease of mRNA expressions of VEGF and BMP-2 in femoral head of NONFH is important reason that affect its bone mass, osteoporosis, rehabil itation, and reconstruction. It may be benefit to the reparative process of the necrosis femoral head to increase the mRNA expressions of VEGF and BMP-2 in the femoral head.
ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of pedicled iliac periosteal flap graft for treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) after femoral neck fracture in adolescents. MethodsBetween December 2006 and August 2011, 9 patients (9 hips) with ANFH after femoral neck fracture were treated with pedicled iliac periosteal flap graft. There were 6 males and 3 females with an average age of 14.7 years (range, 10-18 years). Fractures were caused by traffic accident injury (5 cases), falling injury from height (3 cases), and fall injury (1 case). The time from injury to internal fixation with Kirschner wires or cannulated screws was 3-16 days, and all fractures healed within 10 months after internal fixation. The interval between fracture fixation and ANFH was 10-42 months (mean, 24.4 months). According to Steinberg staging system, 1 hip was classified as stage Ⅲb, 2 hips as stage Ⅲc, 1 hip as stage IVa, 3 hips as stage IVb, and 2 hips as stage IVc. The Harris scores and Steinberg classification were compared between at pre- and post-operation to assess the outcomes clinically and radiologically. ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention. No complications of infection, deep venous thrombosis of lower limb, and pain and numbness of donor site were observed during or after operation. All patients were followed up 38-76 months (mean, 52 months). Joint pain was relieved; no leg length discrepancy was observed; the walking gait was improved and range of motion of hips was increased. The Harris score was significantly increased from 62.8±3.6 at pre-operation to 92.7±9.9 at last follow-up, showing significant difference (t=-12.244, P=0.000). The hip function was excellent in 5 hips, good in 3 hips, and poor in 1 hip, and the excellent and good rate was 88.89%. Post-operative radiological assessment demonstrated that only 1 hip (stage Ⅲb) had further collapse of the femoral head, the other hips had no incidence of deterioration. The radiological success rate was 88.89% (8/9). ConclusionThe pedicled iliac periosteal flap graft for ANFH after femoral neck fracture in adolescents can provide good osteogenesis and vascular reconstruction of the femoral head.
ObjectiveTo summarize the current researches and progress on experimental animal models of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. MethodsDomestic and international literature concerning experimental animal models of avascular necrosis of the femoral head was reviewed and analyzed. ResultsThe methods to prepare the experimental animal models of avascular necrosis of the femoral head can be mainly concluded as traumatic methods (including surgical, physical, and chemical insult), and non-traumatic methods (including steroid, lipopolysaccharide, steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide, steroid combined with horse serum, etc). Each method has both merits and demerits, yet no ideal methods have been developed. ConclusionThere are many methods to prepare the experimental animal models of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, but proper model should be selected based on the aim of research. The establishment of ideal experimental animal models needs further research in future.
Objective To investigate the significance of sensory neuropeptides [calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP)] in steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) by using a rabbit model. Methods Fifty-five adult female Japanese White rabbits (weighing 3 kg and aging 24 months) were randomly divided into experimental group (n=45) and control group (n=10). The rabbits in experimental group received a single intramuscularinjection of methylprednisolone at a dose of 4 mg/kg and then were sacrificed after 3 days (n=15), 1 week (n=15), and 2 weeks (n=15) of injection. The rabbits in control group were fed without any treatment. The necrosis of the femoral head was observed. And the expressions of the monoclonal antibodies CGRP and SP were observed with immunohistochemical staining. Also, the integrated absorbance (IA) value of the positive area was calculated. Results All rabbits survived to the end of the experiment. There was no necrosis of the bone or bone marrow in experimental group at 3 days; whereas ANFH was observed in 5 rabbits at 1 week (33%) and in 8 rabbits at 2 weeks (53%). There were significant differences in the rate of ANFH between 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 days (P lt; 0.05); but there was no significant difference between 1 week and 2 weeks (P gt; 0.05). The intensity of CGRP immunoreactivity increased and reached the peak at 1 week, and then decreased at 2 weeks in experimental group. The IA value of CGRP in experimental group at 1 week was significantly higher than that of control group and that of experimental group at 3 days (P lt; 0.05). The IA value of CGRP in experimental group at 2 weeks was significantly lower than those at 3 days and 1 week (P lt; 0.05). The intensity of SP immunoreactivity decreased and reached the lowest at 1 week, and then increased. The IA value of SP in experimental group at 1 week was significantly lower than that of control group and that of experimental group at 2 weeks (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The sensory neuropeptides may be affected by the steroid, which may play a key role in the process of steroid-induced ANFH by imbalance of bone metabol ism, disturbance of the microcirculation of bone, and disorder of the protective pain-transmission.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and early effectiveness to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) with pedicled iliac bone graft assisted by individual digital design and three dimensional (3D) printed navigation templates. MethodsBetween February and June 2014, 15 patients (24 hips) with ONFH underwent pedicled iliac bone graft assisted by individual digital design and 3D printed navigation templates. There were 11 males (17 hips) and 4 females (7 hips) with a mean age of 38 years (range, 18-56 years) and a mean disease duration of 7.5 months (range, 1-24 months); the left hip was involved in 2 cases, the right hip in 4 cases, and both hips in 9 cases. There were 7 cases (12 hips) of steroid-induced ONFH, 5 cases (8 hips) of alcohol-induced ONFH, 1 case (1 hip) of traumatic ONFH, and 2 cases (3 hips) of idiopathic ONFH. The preoperative Harris score was 56.60±6.97. According to Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) staging system, 5 hips were classified as stage IIB, 8 hips as stage IIC, 6 hips as stage IIIB, and 5 hips as stage IIIC. The navigation templates were designed and printed to assist accurate location and debridement of necrosis area according to preoperative CT scanning at the beginning of pedicled iliac bone grafting procedure. ResultsThe mean operation time was 135 minutes (range, 120-160 minutes), mean amount of bleeding was 255 mL (range, 200-300 mL). All the wounds healed primarily, no complication of deep vein thrombosis or infection was observed. All patients were followed up 12-16 months (mean, 14 months). The location of necrosis area was in accordance with preoperative design, which was removed completely without penetration of joint surface, pedicled iliac bone graft was performed at the right site according to postoperative imaging examination. Radiographically, graft fusion was achieved at 2.7 months (range, 2-3 months) in all patients. All the hips had no collapse during follow-up. Hip pain was relieved, and range of motion was improved. The Harris score was significantly improved to 89.53±5.83 at last follow-up (t=14.319, P=0.000). The results were excellent in 12 hips, good in 10 hips, and fair in 2 hips according to Harris score standard. ConclusionPedicled iliac bone graft assisted by individual digital design and 3D printed navigation templates for treatment of adult ONFH has the advantages of accurate location and complete debridement of necrosis area, so satisfactory results can be obtained.
Objective To review the relationshi p between heritable hypercoagulable state (HHCS) and avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH). Methods The latest original articles about the relationshi p between HHCS and ANFH were extensively reviewed. Results Several genetic mutations which could cause HHCS, such as thrombophilic factor V G1691A gene, thrombophilic factor II G20210A gene, 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T gene, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 4G/5G, and tissue factor pathway inhibitor gene, may be genetic risks of ANFH. Conclusion HHCS may be a genetic cause of ANFH. Further studies are needed to confirm the relationship between HHCS and Chinese ANFH.