OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical efficacy of the pith decompression of the femoral head and fibular allograft transplantation in the treatment of early stage avascular necrosis.

METHODSFrom January 2004 to November 2008, 32 hips of 25 patients with avascular necrosis of femoral head of Ia-IIIb period were treated by the pith decompression of the femoral head and fibular allograft transplantation, hollow lag screw fixation, included 17 males and 8 females, aged from 20 to 55 years old (39.1 years on average). Preoperative pain was from 2 to 14 months (means 5.5 months). All patients were applied on conventional X-ray films, MRI examination, Harris score.

RESULTSThe patients were followed up for 12 to 48 months (means 36.4 months). X-ray film showed 21 hips of 18 cases improved,6 hips of 4 cases unchanged, no collapse of articular surface, 3 hips of 2 cases deterioration, 2 hips of 1 case failed. Preoperative Harris score was (77.0 +/- 8.0) and postoperative (90.6 +/- 2.5), there was a significant difference (t = 1.67, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPith decompression of the femoral head and fibular allograft transplantation in the treatment of early stage avascular necrosis of femoral head has advantage of joint function in bed-ridden after a short time, quick recovery,clinical symptoms improved. Its short-term efficacy is certain but long-term efficacy is still need further observation.