Treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head with vascularized bone grafting

Objective: To summarize the current progress of vascularized bone grafting in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), and to provide reference for treatment of ONFH.

Methods: The literature at home and abroad on the treatment of ONFH with vascularized bone grafting was reviewed, and the mechanism, operating methods and effectiveness, indications, and complications were summarized.

Results: Vascularized bone grafting is a commonly used clinical hip-preserving operation. By replacing necrotic bone tissue with vascularized bone, it can rebuild the blood circulation system, promote the healing of the necrotic area, and provide biomechanical support for the necrotic area of the femoral head, prevent the joint surface collapse. The main operations include the vascularized iliac bone flap grafting, the vascularized greater trochanter bone flap grafting, and the vascularized fibular grafting. The clinical application has achieved certain effectiveness, and the different procedures are suitable for different types of patients. The procedures need to be selected based on the patient's overall condition, the cause of ONFH, the necrosis stage, and the degree of the evaluation.

Conclusions: Vascularized bone grafting has a definite effectiveness in the treatment of ONFH in the young and middle-aged. It can significantly improve hip joint function, control the further development of the disease to a great extent, effectively delay or even avoid hip arthroplasty. It is a reliable hip-preserving operation worthy of promotion.