Total hip replacement in avascular femoral head necrosis

Abstract

Background: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is a progressive perfusion disorder of the hip joint. Progress in avascular necrosis causes structural damage to the affected joint, often requiring total hip replacement. Aim: This article is intended to give the reader an overview of the current literature on total hip replacement of patients with an avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Results: Before 1990, patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head had significantly higher revision rates after total hip replacement. Recent studies, however, showed no significant differences in clinical outcomes after total hip replacement in femoral head necrosis and primary osteoarthritis. Summary: Despite the young age of the patients, good long-term clinical results can be expected even in patients with an avascular necrosis of the femoral head after total hip replacement.