Abstract
Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a debilitating disease caused by disruption of the blood supply to the femoral head that typically affects the younger population. Associated risk factors or etiologies include alcoholism, use of corticosteroids, trauma, blood disorders, radiation therapy, and dysbarism. In the United States, it is estimated that 10,000 to 20,000 cases occur annually and that 5% to 12% of total hip arthroplasties are performed to treat the disease. Surgical intervention is likely to be more effective when performed in the early stages of osteonecrosis, prior to collapse of the femoral head and subchondral plate.
Porous tantalum (trabecular metal) implants have been used in patients with early stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head for several years. Initial clinical results show several benefits including reduced surgical time, blood loss and hospitalization compared to patients treated with vascularized fibular grafting.
Clinical experience has shown that, like other joint preserving treatments for osteonecrosis, it is possible to identify patients with specific selection criteria that will yield the best outcomes for treatment with the porous tantalum implants. With this in mind, this implant can be included in the treatment armamentarium for early stage osteonecrosis.
The abstracts were prepared by Lynne C. Jones, PhD. and Michael A. Mont, MD. Correspondence should be addressed to Lynne C. Jones, PhD., at Suite 201 Good Samaritan Hospital POB, Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21239 USA. Email: ljones3@jhmi.edu
