OBJECTIVETo study short-term results of hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) in the treatment of patients with avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH), and to explore indication and strategy in this surgery.

METHODSFrom December 2006 to December 2009, 37 patients (43 hips) with avascular necrosis of femoral head were treated with total hip resurfacing arthroplasty. Among the patients, 25 patients were male and 12 patients were female, with an average age of 44.5 years (ranged, 21 to 67 years). According to ARCO classification, 3 hips were 3A stage, 6 hips were 3B stage, 16 hips were 3C stage and 18 hips were 4 stage. X-ray evaluation of the patients were conducted. The clinical results were evaluated by the Harris hip score system including pain,range of motion, correction of deformity and total function.

RESULTSThirty-four patients (40 hips) were followed up with an average period of 32.4 months (ranged, 16 to 53 months), and 3 patients were lost. Thirty-seven hips got complete relief of joint pain and 3 patients feel aching pain after walking. There was 1 heterotopic ossification, no femoral neck fracture no dislocation, no infection and no revision in all patients. From pre-operation to present, the average Harris hip score improved significantly from (51.5 +/- 1.7) to (94.3 +/- 1.4). Thirty-seven hips got an excellent result, 3 hips good and no poor.

CONCLUSIONThe total hip resurfacing arthroplasty is an effective solution for the problems of the younger and active patients with ANFH, and the short-term results are satisfying.