Objective To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of treating early-middle stage avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) with core decompression and bone grafting. Methods Between January 2000 and December 2006, 87 ANFH patients (114 hips) were treated with core decompression and bone grafting, including 54 cases (62.1%) of alcohol-induced ANFH, 26 cases (29.9%) of steroid-induced ANFH, and 7 cases (8.0%) of idiopathic ANFH. There were 74 males (97 hips) and 13 females (17 hips), aged 20-56 years (mean, 38 years). The disease duration was 3-46 months (mean, 18 months). According to Ficat staging, 16 hips were at stage I, 68 hips at stage II, and 30 hips at stage III. The Harris score and Ficat stage were compared between pre- and post-operation to assess the outcomes clinically and radiologically. The hip survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Eighty-seven patients were followed up 5 years to 11 years and 10 months (mean, 8 years and 9 months). The Harris hip score was significantly increased from 73.13 ± 7.17 at preoperation to 81.59 ± 13.23 at postoperation (t= — 9.318, P=0.000). The clinical success rate was 69.3% (79/114) and the radiological success rate was 54.4% (62/114). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the overall survival rate was 84.2% (96/114); the survival rates of Ficat stage I [100% (16/16)] and stage II [91.2% (62/68)] were higher than that of stage III [60.0%(18/30)] (P lt; 0.01); there was no significant difference between Ficat stage I and II (χ2=1.520, P=0.218). Conclusion Core decompression with bone grafting is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of Ficat stages I-II (early stage) ANFH, and the long-term effectiveness is satisfactory. But the long-term effectiveness is unsatisfactory for the patients at the Ficat stage III (middle stage).
Objective To discuss the correlation between the letpin level and the pathogenesis of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) by measuring the leptin expression of the femoral head in patients with ANFH. Methods Between July 2009 and February 2011, 16 patients with ANFH (including 10 cases of steroid-induced ANFH and 6 cases of alcohol-induced ANFH, ANFH group) and 11 patients with proximal femur fracture (control group) were included in the experiment. There was no significant difference in age, weight, and body mass index between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The peripheral blood and bone marrow were extracted to measure the blood lipid level and the free fat (FF) content, respectively. ELISA was used to detect the levels of the leptin, soluble leptin receptor (sLR), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (sRANKL); the leptin biological activity and the activity of osteoclasts were calculated. The femoral head specimens were harvested to count leptin-positive cells by immunohistochemical staining. Results No significant difference in the blood lipid level was found between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05), but the FF content in ANFH group was significantly lower than that in control group (t= — 14.230, P=0.000). The intramedullary leptin expression was found in both groups; however, the intramedullary leptin level in ANFH group decreased significantly when compared with the level in control group (t=4.425, P=0.002). There were significant differences in the levels of leptin, OPG, and sRANKL between 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). The leptin biological activity of ANFH group was significantly lower than that of control group (P lt; 0.05), but the activity of osteoclasts of ANFH group was significantly higher than that of control group (P lt; 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the leptin level and leptin biological activity (r=0.922 7, P=0.000 0), and a negative correlation between the leptin level and OPG content (r= — 0.396 2, P=0.040 8), FF content (r= — 0.806 1, P=0.000 0), while it had no correlation between the leptin level and sLR and sRANKL content (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Intramedullary expression and bioactivity of the leptin decrease significantly in ANFH patients, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ANFH.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of comprehensive management for early stage avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) by arthroscopic minimally invasive surgery by comparing with closed core decompression. MethodsBetween January 2007 and March 2010, 28 patients (33 hips) with early stage ANFH were treated with the procedure of arthroscopic core decompression combined with autogenous cancellous bone graft and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in 18 cases (21 hips, trial group) or with simple closed core decompression in 10 cases (12 hips, control group). No significant difference was found in gender, age, disease duration, etiology, and staging between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). ResultsIncision healed primarily in all patients, and no infection occurred. All patients were followed up 2.5 years on average (range, 1-3 years). Pain relief and improvement of hip function were obtained in all patients at 6 months after operation. At last follow-up, the Harris scores were 85.67 ± 4.78 in trial group and 81.33 ± 7.03 in control group, showing significant difference between 2 groups (t= —2.10, P=0.04). Collapse of the femoral head was observed in 1 hip (Ficat stage II) of trial group, and in 2 hips (Ficat stage I ) and 2 hips (Ficat stage II) of control group; hip arthroplasty was performed. Significant difference in total effective rate was found between trial group and control group (95.24% vs. 66.67%; χ2=4.85, P=0.03). ConclusionArthroscopic core decompression combined with autogenous cancellous bone graft and BMP is more effective than traditional closed core decompression for treatment of early stage ANFH in pain relief, improvement of hip function, slowing-down the process of femoral head necrosis, reduction of hip joint replacement by accurate location of the lesions, and thoroughly debridement of necrotic bone.
Objective To study the effectiveness of avascular necrosis of the femoral head treated by lesions clearance, compact bone grafting, and porous tantalum rod implantation. Methods Between March 2008 and May 2010, 14 patients (16hips) with avascular necrosis of the femoral head were treated by lesions clearance, compact bone grafting, and implantation of porous tantalum rod. Of 15 cases, 13 were male (15 hips) and 1 was female (1 hip) with a median age of 42.2 years (range, 18-73 years), including traumatic in 1 case (1 hip), alcohol ic in 4 cases (4 hips), and steroid-induced in 9 cases (11 hips); 3 hips were at Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage I and 13 hips were at ARCO stage II. The Harris score was 51.89 ± 12.42, and the X-ray score was 31.88 ± 4.03. All the cases were diagnosed by X-ray films and MRI. The median disease duration was 2.5 years (range, 6 months to 7 years). All the patients accepted the operation of lesions clearance by slotting at the neck of femur, then, compact bone grafting, and implantation of porous tantalum rod were performed. The affected l imb could not bear weight loading at 1-3 months after operation and partly bear weight loading after 3 months of operation. Results Primary heal ing of incision was achieved in all patients and no compl ication occurred. The patients were followed up 24 months on average (range, 13-36 months). Two patients underwent total hip arthroplasty at 4 months and 2 years respectively because of even worsened pain and collapsed femoral heads; 12 patients achieved obvious pain rel ief with a survival rate 87.5%(14/16). The postoperative Harris score was 84.89 ± 17.96, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t= —8.038,P=0.001). The X-ray examination showed definite ossification, increased density, regular arrangement of the trabeculae and no collapsed femoral head. The X-ray score was 32.19 ± 6.57, showing no significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t= —2.237, P=0.819). Conclusion Lesions clearance, compact bone grafting, and implantation of porous tantalum rod for avascular necrosis of the femoral head have a good short-term cl inical result.
Objective To comprehend the pathological features and possible pathogenesis of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) by morphology and immunohistochemical observation of osterix (OSX) and adiponectin through in vitro traumatic and non-traumatic ANFH specimens, so as to provide a theoretical basis for cl inical treatment. Methods Sixty-six ANFH specimens were collected from 66 cl inical cases undergoing hip replacement surgery. Twenty-four cases of traumatic ANFH (group A) included 17 males and 7 females, aged 21 to 70 years with an average of 56.5 years; 23 cases of steroid-induced ANFH (group B) included 16 males and 7 females, aged 56 to 72 years with an average of 61 years; and 19 cases of alcohol ic ANFH (group C) were males, aged 55 to 67 years with an average of 58.5 years. Bone tissue was got from weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing area of the femoral head respectively. The basic pathological changes was observed by HE staining under the optical microscope, and the percentage of empty bone lacuna and the percentage of trabecular bone area were calculated. The morphological changes of ANFH in different groups were observedby scanning electron microscope (SEM). OSX and adiponectin expression were detected by immunohistochemical technique. Results Gross of the femoral head surface in each group was rough, collapse, articular cartilage loss, osteophyte formation; cross section: dark red in group A, and yellow in groups B and C. HE staining showed that weight-bearing area of ANFH have similar morphological features in three groups. In non-weight-bearing area of groups B and C, the fat cells in bone marrow markedly increased and were hypertrophic; however there were more fibrous tissue in group A. There were statistically significant differences (P lt; 0.001) in the percentage of empty bone lacuna of the weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing area among three groups. There were no statistically significant differences (P gt; 0.05) in the percentage of trabecular bone area among three groups. The SEM observation showed that three groups had similar pathological changes. Brown granules for OSX and adiponectin positive substance were mainly located in the osteoblast of bone marrow of the femoral head. There was statistically significant difference (P lt; 0.05) in the average absorbency (A) value of OSX between group A and groups B, C, but there was no statistically significant difference (P gt; 0.05) between groups B and C. While there was no statistically significant difference (P gt; 0.05) in the A value of adiponectin among three groups. Conclusion Hormones and alcohol necrosis have more obviously fatty degeneration, but the repair capacity of traumatic femoral head necrosis is ber than that of hormones and alcohol necrosis. Alcohol and hormones have inhibitory action on the OSX-mediated osteogenic differentiation. Hormones and alcohol may not affect osteoblast expressing adiponectin and its receptors.
Objective To compare the cl inical outcomes of the core decompression combined with autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation with the isolated core decompression for the treatment of earlyavascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH). Methods From May 2006 to October 2008, 8 patients (16 hips) with earlyANFH were treated. There were 7 males and 1 female with an average age of 35.7 years (range, 19-43 years). According to the system of the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO): 4 hips were classified as stage II a, 2 as stage II b, 1 as stage II c, and 1 as stage III a in group A; 2 hips were classified as stage II a, 2 as stage II b, 3 as stage II c, and 1 as stage III a in group B. The average disease course was 1.1 years (range, 4 months to 2 years). The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups according to left or right side: group A, only the core decompression was used; group B, both the core decompression and autologous BMSCs transplantation were used. The Harris score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were determined, imaging evaluation was carried out by X-rays and MRI pre- and post-operatively. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, l iver function, renal function, and immunoglobul in were detected for safety evaluation. Results All incisions healed by first intention. Eight patients were followed up 12-42 months (23.5 months on average). The cl inical symptoms of pain and claudication were gradually improved. The Harris scores and VAS scores of all patients were increased significantly at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation (P lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups A and B 3 and 6 months after operation (P gt; 0.05), but there was significant difference between groups A and B 12 months after operation (P lt; 0.05). The necrosis area of femoral head in groups A and B were 18.13% ± 2.59% and 13.25% ± 2.12%, respectively, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05). In group A, femoral head collapsed 12 months after operation in 1 case of stage III. No compl ication of fever, local infectionoccurred. Conclusion The core decompression and the core decompression combined with BMSCs transplantation are both effective for the treatment of early ANFH. The core decompression combined with BMSCs transplantation is better than core decompression in the rel ief of pain and postponing head collapse.
Objective To explore the correlation between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promotor of hepatic l ipase (HL) gene and untraumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH). Methods Between January 2007 and June 2009, 243 patients with ANFH were treated (case group), including 143 cases of steroid-induced, 79 cases of alchol-induced, and 21 cases of idiopathic. There were 156 males and 87 females with an age ranged from 16 to 64 years. Atotal of 96 normal individuals (matched for age, sex, and nation) served as control group. The blood sample of all subjects were collected to extract DNA. The promotor of HL was sequenced to find the SNP. A statistic on the frequencies of the genotype and the allele of the SNP was made. The frequencies of the genotype and the allele were analyzed with χ2 test according to case-control principle. Results The rs59644784 and rs1800588 were found in the sequenced region. It was accorded with Hardy-Weinbery genetic equil ibrium law in rs59644784 and rs1800588 of the control group and case group. There was no significant difference in the allele and genotype of rs59644784 and rs1800588 between the control group and case group (P gt; 0.05). The two SNPs existed complete l inkage disequil ibrium according to the l inkage disequil ibrium analysis. Conclusion The heterozygosity of the SNP is not consistency, and heterozygosity may be associated with the diversity of the race. ANFH is not associated with rs59644784 and rs1800588 SNPs.
Objective To observe the effect of You Gui Yin and MSCs interventional therapy on the early stage of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) and its role of improving revascularization and reossification. Methods Twenty-four adult Beagle dogs weighing (10.0 ± 0.5) kg were divided into 4 groups (n=6): group A (model group), group B (You Gui Yin group), group C (MSCs intervention group), group D(You Gui Yin and MSCs intervention group). The model of ANFH at early stage was establ ished by l iquid-nitrogen cryopreservation method, and MSCs were isolated, cultured and labeled by BrdU. Three weeks after model ing, groups C and D received 1 mL MSCs with artery perfusion [(0.5-1.0) × 106/mL)], groups B and D received intragastric administration of 100 mL You Gui Yin per day, groups A and C received intragastric administration of 100 mL distilled water. Gross observation on femoral head was conducted 4 and 8 weeks after continuous treatment. Meanwhile, DSA and MRI were adopted to observe the quantity and the diameter of femoralhead blood vessel, histology and immunohistochemistry staining were performed to observe the expression of VEGF and BrdU, and the expression of VEGF mRNA was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR. Results At 4 and 8 weeks after treatment, the figuration of the femoral head in group A was flat and mushroom-shaped, while it was relatively normal in groups B, C and D. DSA observation: the number and the diameter of blood vessel in groups C and D were increased, and the obstructed blood vessel was open. At 4 and 8 weeks after treatment, significant differences between group C and group D were evident in the number and the diameter of blood vessel (P lt; 0.05); compared with before treatment, the diameter of blood vessel in two groups were significantly improved (P lt; 0.05) and the number of blood vessel in group D was significantly increased (P lt; 0.05). MRI observation: compared with group A, groups B, C and D were obviously improved, especially group D, T1W showed lower signal, T2W and STIR showed no abnormal changes of signal. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry staining: compared with group A, the structure of groups B, C and D were obviously improved, the positive expression of VEGF in group D was significantly higher than that of other groups (P lt; 0.05), the positive rate of BrdU, the number of positive osteoblast and the number of positive blood vessel in group D was obviously higher than that of group C (P lt; 0.05). Real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR detection: the expression of VEGF mRNA in group D was significantly higher than that of other groups (P lt; 0.05), the expression of VEGF in groups B, C and D was higher than that of group A (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The combination of You Gui Yin and MSCs interventional treatment has significant therapeutic effects on the early-stage ANFH, can improve the blood supply of the necrotic femoral head, promote repair and prevent collapse.
Objective To investigate the operative method of trabecular metal rod implant for the treatment of the early adult avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) and its cl inical efficacy. Methods From March 2005 to January 2007, 28 patients of ANFH were treated by trabecular metal rod implant, including 18 males and 10 females aged 18-56 years old (average 30.6 years old). The ANFH was induced by trauma in 7 cases, steroid in 10 cases, alcohol in 5 cases and unknownreason in 6 cases. There were 22 cases of unilateral ANFH and 6 of bilateral ANFH, involving 18 left hips and 16 right hips. According to Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) international classification of osteonecrosis launched in 1997, 16 cases (16 hips) were classified as stage I, 12 cases (15 hips) as stage I, 1 case (1 hip) as stage III and 2 cases (2 hips) as stage IV. Harris score was 50.3 ± 2.2 preoperatively. The course of disease was 12-24 months (average 16 months). Results All wounds healed by first intention, and no postoperative compl ication occurred. All the cases were followed up for 18-36 months (average 26 months). The pain and functional l imitation of patients were improved significantly. The Harris score was 85.7 ± 2.4 18 months after operation, showing a significant difference when compared with preoperative score (P lt; 0.05). Twenty-three cases were graded as excellent, 3 as good and 2 as fair, with the excellent and good rate of 92.86%. Conclusion Trabecular metal rod implant is an effective method for the treatment of early ANFH and can minimize the occurrence of compl ications, but the follow-up observation of its long-term herapeutic effect is still needed.
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.