Aims. The value of core decompression (CD) in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether CD combined with other treatments could improve the clinical and radiological outcomes of ONFH patients compared with CD alone. Methods. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases until June 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials (CCTs) comparing CD alone and CD combined with other measures (CD + cell therapy, CD + bone grafting, CD + porous tantalum rod, etc.) for the treatment of ONFH were considered eligible for inclusion. The primary outcomes of interest were Harris Hip Score (HHS), ONFH stage progression, structural failure (collapse) of the femoral head, and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA). The pooled data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 software. Results. A total of 20 studies with 2,123 hips were included (CD alone = 768, CD combined with other treatments = 1,355). The combination of CD with other therapeutic interventions resulted in a higher HHS (mean difference (MD) = 6.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.10 to 10.83, p = 0.004) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score (MD = −10.92, 95% CI = -21.41 to -4.03, p = 0.040) and a lower visual analogue scale (VAS) score (MD = −0.99, 95% CI = -1.56 to -0.42, p < 0.001) than CD alone. For the rates of disease stage progression, 91 (20%) progressed in the intervention group compared to 146 (36%) in the control group (odds ratio (OR) = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.16 to 0.64, p = 0.001). In addition, the intervention group had a more significant advantage in delaying femoral head progression to the collapsed stage (OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.17 to 0.61, p < 0.001) and reducing the odds of conversion to THA (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.23 to 0.55, p < 0.001) compared to the control group. There were no serious adverse events in either group. Subgroup analysis showed that the addition of cell therapy significantly improved clinical and radiological outcomes compared to CD alone, and this approach appeared to be more effective than other therapies, particularly in precollapse (stage I to II) ONFH patients. Conclusion. There was marked heterogeneity in the studies. There is a trend towards improved clinical outcomes with the addition of stem cell therapy to CD. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(7):445–458

Non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a potentially devastating condition, the prevalence of which is increasing. Many joint-preserving forms of treatment, both medical and surgical, have been developed in an attempt to slow or reverse its progression, as it usually affects young patients.

However, it is important to evaluate the best evidence that is available for the many forms of treatment considering the variation in the demographics of the patients, the methodology and the outcomes in the studies that have been published, so that it can be used effectively.

The purpose of this review, therefore, was to provide an up-to-date, evidence-based guide to the management, both non-operative and operative, of non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1267–79.

Aims. One method of femoral head preservation following avascular necrosis (AVN) is core decompression and insertion of a tantalum rod. However, there may be a high failure rate associated with this procedure. The purpose of this study was to document the clinical and radiological outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA) subsequent to failed tantalum rod insertion. Patients and Methods. A total of 37 failed tantalum rods requiring total hip arthroplasty were identified from a prospective database. There were 21 hips in 21 patients (12 men and nine women, mean age 37 years, 18 to 53) meeting minimum two year clinical and radiographic follow-up whose THAs were carried out between November 2002 and April 2013 (mean time between tantalum rod implantation and conversion to a THA was 26 months, 6 to 72). These were matched by age and gender to individuals (12 men, nine women, mean age 40 years, 18 to 58) receiving THA for AVN without prior tantalum rod insertion. Results. There were no functional outcome differences between the two groups. Tantalum residue was identified on all post-operative radiographs in the tantalum group. Linear wear rates were comparable between groups with no evidence of catastrophic wear in either group. Conclusion. In the short term, tantalum rod implantation does not demonstrate an adverse effect on subsequent total joint replacement surgery. There is however, a high rate of retained tantalum debris on post-operative radiographs and thus there is an unknown risk of accelerated articular wear necessitating longer term study. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1175–9

Introduction:. One method of femoral head preservation following avascular necrosis (AVN) is core decompression and Tantalum Rod insertion. There is, however, a published failure rate of up to 32% at 4 years. The purpose of the present study was to document the clinical and radiological outcome following Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) subsequent to failed Tantalum Rod insertion. Methods:. Twenty-five failed Tantalum Rod insertions subsequently requiring THA were identified from a prospectively updated database. Seventeen patients met minimum 2 year clinical and radiographic follow-up criteria. St. Michael's Hip (SMH) scores were compared to a matched cohort of patients with THA for AVN without prior Tantalum Rod insertion. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed assessing component alignment, linear wear (Dorr & Wan) and presence of tantalum residue within the joint space. Results:. Nine females and eight males underwent removal of a Tantalum Rod with subsequent THA between May 2005 and March 2010. The mean time between Tantalum Rod insertion and conversion to THA was 23 months (range 6–48) with a mean follow-up of 3.5 years (range 2–5). At each follow-up interval the mean SMH scores were comparable between the two groups (p = 0.445). Femoral stem alignment (p = 0.428) and acetabular cup inclination (p = 0.723) were comparable between groups. Articular tantalum residue was identified in 12 of 17 articulations (7 mild, 3 moderate, 2 severe). Linear wear rates were comparable between the tantalum group (0.07 mm/yr, range 0.01–0.40) and controls (0.07 mm/yr, range 0.02–0.21, p = 0.951). There was no evidence of catastrophic wear. Conclusion:. Tantalum rod conversion to THA in the young adult patient with AVN reveals no early catastrophic sequelae. In the short term, Tantalum Rod insertion does not demonstrate a deleterious effect on subsequent total joint replacement surgery. There is, however, a high rate of retained tantalum debris within the effective joint space with the procedure and thus there is an unknown risk of accelerated articular wear necessitating longer term study

The introduction of a trabecular tantalum rod has been proposed for the management of early-stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head but serves as a single-point of support of the necrotic lesion. We describe a technique using two or three 4.2 mm (or later 4.7 mm) tantalum pegs for the prevention of collapse of the necrotic lesion. We prospectively studied 21 patients (26 hips) with non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head treated in this manner. Of these, 21 patients (24 hips) were available for radiological and clinical evaluation at a mean follow-up of 46 months (18 to 67). Radiological assessment showed that only eight hips deteriorated according to the Association Research Circulation Osseous classification, and four hips according to the Classification of the Japanese Investigation Committee of Health and Welfare. Functional improvement was obtained with an improvement in the mean Harris hip score from 65.2 (33.67 to 95) to 88.1 (51.72 to 100), the mean Merle D’Aubigné-Postel score from 13 (6 to 18) to 16 (11 to 18), a mean visual analogue score for pain from 5.2 (0 to 9.5) to 2.6 (0 to 7), and the mean Short-Form 36 score from 80.4 (56.8 to 107.1) to 92.4 (67.5 to 115.7). Of these 24 hips followed for a minimum of 18 months, three were considered as failures at the final follow-up, having required total hip replacement. One of the hips without full follow-up was also considered to be a failure. In more than two-thirds of the surviving hips a satisfactory clinical outcome was achieved with promising radiological findings. The estimated mean implant survival was 60 months (95% confidence interval 53.7 to 66.3).

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.

INTRODUCTION: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head usually affects young patients and is caused by disturbance of the femoral head’s blood supply. Bone subchondral necrosis eventually leads to articular incongruity and secondary arthritis of the hip joint. AIM: To study the adequacy and outcome of tantalum rods implantation in patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head (up to grade III, according to Ficat’s classification). PATIENTS AND METHOD: 25 patients with 30 affected hips (5 with bilateral lesions) have been treated, the last 5 years, by tantalum rod implantation. The mean age was 37 years and the mean time of follow up 20 months (6–48), for 24 patients. In four hips we had type III lesions and in the rest type II. RESULTS: The postoperative evaluation included radiological and clinical (Harris Hip Score – HHS) examination. All patients with type II osteonecrosis had a statistically significant increased HHS score, 6 months and 1 year after tantalum implanting. One patient, with a type III lesion, was subjected in total hip replacement because of disease’s progression, 1 year later. The two others had serious pain relief and improved range of hip motion. DISCUSSION: Implantation of tantalum rods can be a method of choice in treatment of early stages of AVN of the femoral head. The implant achieves decompression, supports the subchondral plate of the necrotic areas and probably induces bone re-generation. Studies in more patients and with extended follow up time will be helpful for method’s evaluation

Introduction: Non union of the humerus in the ostoeportic bone is a great challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. The non weight bearing nature of this bone together with extreme osteoporosis seen in the elderly had rendered a high degree of failure in different modes of internal fixation of established humeral non union. Tantalum is a trabecullar metal with biomechanical properties similar to bone with a high modulus of elasticity and low rigidity. It is proved both in vitro and in vivo to induce excellent bone and vascular in growth and have been used successfully treating other application in orthopedics. We have introduced the tantalum rod for the treatment of humeral non union in the elderly. Patients and Methods: Six patients with humeral non-union were selected for tantalum rod implantations. All were above 60 years old. All patients had established non and 4 had failures after previous osteosynthesis. The surgical technique was exploration of the fracture site via a posterior or an anterolateral approach, debridement of the fracture site and intramedullary insertion of a 100 mm x 10 mm tantalum rod. No bone grafting was used. Ancillary fixation included a 4.5 broad DCP plate with screws drilled into both bone and rod or screws alone drilled into the bone and tantalum construct. Follow up period was up to one year. Results: All fractures united clinically and radiographicaly up to 3 months. All patients achieved satisfactory shoulder and elbow range of motion and regained functional activity. No infection or foreign body reaction was noted. Conclusion: Intramedullary tantalum rodding is a viable treatment option for the cases in both primary and secondary non union of the humeral shaft in osteoporotic bone